Filling 5/8 inch hole below the waterline

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Martin Cole

During haulout I am changing some thru-hull tranducers in my 1991 Hunter 28. I will be left with one hole approximatly 5/8" diameter that needs to be filled because it will no longer be used. I am uncertain what is the best method to use. The hull is solid glass (no core)and the hole is on the centerline, just forward of the keel, so it is effectively horizontal. Is Marine-Tex acceptable for a hole this large? If so, should I build up a little at a time? Or would West System thickend with colloidal silica be better? The other method I was considering was to bevel the hole slightly from the outside, so the resulting repair would be "pressed" against the hull, rather than relying on simple bonding to hold it in. Then I could use tape to cover the outside of the hull, and fill the hole from inside. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, because this will be the first time the integrity of one of my repairs could actually sink the boat. Martin Cole s/v Ares
 
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Jim Willis

Bevel and use glass re-inforcement

That is what i would do bevel and feacther edge, Ideally use Epoxy rather than polyester, although polyvinyl would be good and I believe that 3MN even make the latter with chopped glass alread in in. Marine tex or equ for outer layer, then barrier coat over the whole area out for a bit. What does anyone else think? JIm W
 
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Jim willis

Cab O Sil -TAP Plastics, Fiberglass Hawaii

This is not, as far as I know the same as common talk (diatomaceous earth). For supplies, instructions and materials by mail order go to www.Tapplastics.com. Fiberglass Hawaii is another source 808 847 3951 (honolulu) or 831 476 7464 (Santa Cruz) Not sure of their website. Thanks Jim W
 
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