Does anyone know of a good reference, online or book that shows(pictures) of the proper steps in cleaning damaged areas and reworking layers of fiber (start to finish)? I'm trying to see how this is done, I've seen a few step by step blogs on line and it looks pretty straight forward, but I'm looking for more references. The patches I'm repairing are small and so I'm trying to find a way to repair without having to paint too much of the rest of the hull. Any thoughts? Thanks, -Sean
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Try this
Sean, this link will get you to a host of sites that may help. Also, try West system fiberglass systems. They publish free guides to fiberglass repair along with pictures. You can find them using google search. Best of luck, John
Sean, this link will get you to a host of sites that may help. Also, try West system fiberglass systems. They publish free guides to fiberglass repair along with pictures. You can find them using google search. Best of luck, John
Good Book
The book I use is "The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual" by Allan H. Vaitses. It has a good overview of fiberglass construction techniques as well as methods for diagnosing and repairing a large variety of common problems with fiberglass boats. The illustrations are a bit crude, but they get the point across.
The book I use is "The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual" by Allan H. Vaitses. It has a good overview of fiberglass construction techniques as well as methods for diagnosing and repairing a large variety of common problems with fiberglass boats. The illustrations are a bit crude, but they get the point across.
Fiberglass repair
Take a look at www.diy-boat.com they have a great cd on fiberglass repair that is well woth the cost. Wonderfull information on the web page.
Take a look at www.diy-boat.com they have a great cd on fiberglass repair that is well woth the cost. Wonderfull information on the web page.
FRP
Sean, all the books these guys have are good, a lotta good ones. A small one I've used is Fiberglass repairs, by Petrick. It is small and simple and very straight-forward. West Marine's cataloge has an article on FRP repairs, but like a plumber once told me, "only two things to know 'bout plumbing, shit runs downhill, and paydays on Friday". Two, no three most important steps, 1) Best with temp in 70's but can be done cooler. 2) Dry, clean, dry, and dry. 3) the mix of the catalyst needs to be right for your work, it can be a bit hot (More catalyst, set up faster) for a small job if you are good at it. Best to follow the instructions and take no short cuts if you have not worked with it before. Yachts are built with Polyester, but Epoxy is easier to work with. The fiberglass is glass, some have an exotic 'weave' S-glass, z-glass; expensive, but stronger.
Sean, all the books these guys have are good, a lotta good ones. A small one I've used is Fiberglass repairs, by Petrick. It is small and simple and very straight-forward. West Marine's cataloge has an article on FRP repairs, but like a plumber once told me, "only two things to know 'bout plumbing, shit runs downhill, and paydays on Friday". Two, no three most important steps, 1) Best with temp in 70's but can be done cooler. 2) Dry, clean, dry, and dry. 3) the mix of the catalyst needs to be right for your work, it can be a bit hot (More catalyst, set up faster) for a small job if you are good at it. Best to follow the instructions and take no short cuts if you have not worked with it before. Yachts are built with Polyester, but Epoxy is easier to work with. The fiberglass is glass, some have an exotic 'weave' S-glass, z-glass; expensive, but stronger.
Sean, when I mixed resins for
rebuilding Bietzpadlin I used Polyester resin and weighed each batch on a scale and calculated the catalist ammount and measured it with a 12 cc hypodermic syringe. Direct sunlight will shorten the working times for any mix, so work in the shade or indoors if you can.
rebuilding Bietzpadlin I used Polyester resin and weighed each batch on a scale and calculated the catalist ammount and measured it with a 12 cc hypodermic syringe. Direct sunlight will shorten the working times for any mix, so work in the shade or indoors if you can.
Sounds good!
Now I can't wait to get her out of the Marina and get going... I've got so much work to do. Thanks again everyone..this is such a great forum! -Sean
Now I can't wait to get her out of the Marina and get going... I've got so much work to do. Thanks again everyone..this is such a great forum! -Sean
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