Gap filling with 3M Premium Filler?

[Mad Dog]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of replacing all my portlights this year. After managing to get the first one off today, I decided to take the opportunity to remove the bits and pieces of wood in the gap between the outer hull and inner liner. Overall the wood looked okay, with some soft and flaking pieces. Best to get it out and seal it properly. A quick trip to the marina chandlery, and I found 3M Premium Filler, which I applied and is curing right now. Two quick questions:

1. The chandlery didn't have a big selection. Will the Premium Filler do the job of water sealing like epoxy?

2. In my haste (or maybe head rush from working with the Premium Filler), I didn't think about filling the entire depth of the gap. Meaning that I applied it and tooled it in all the way around the opening, but didn't really "fill". So it's likely filled about 1/2 inch all the way around. Will this be an issue when the through bolts go through? They probably won't go through the filler, but rather just the air gap. Not sure if this might cause any issues with fastener strength or hull flexing?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[MSter]

Mad dog,
You will not have the same strength where the void exists and it may be possible to over compress the inner and outer fibreglass and weaken the structure. Better to fill all voids when through bolting.
Mike

 

[Ted]

You should have filled the entire gap with a filler but what's done is done. My concern now would be making sure that any fasteners that pass through that area are properly sealed. Any water that enters those voids will remain there and will continue to rot the core without ever being noticed until major damage has been done. You may be able to inject a sealant into the bolt holes prior to installing your new port lights to prevent any water damage in the future.