Hello, I have a Hunter 27. There is a small crack in a section of the hull. A year ago, the marina put the boat on the cradle backwards. I want to repair it soon. I have a lot of experience in fiberglass/resin repair. However, I was hoping I could get input from you fine sailors here. Here is what I have planned. Since the repair needed will be under the water line, I figure that details will not be too important. I will sand off the antifouling paint. Then I will rough up the gel coat with 60 grit paper with my random orbit sander. I will purchase my glass cloth and use laminating resin (Pre gelled since I will be working on the under side. After I have placed about 7 or 8 layers of cloth, I will sand a bit just to blend it all together. Then, I will put antifouling paint down over my work. That is my general plan. I am not going to have this job done by a company. I know that some may suggest that a "pro" is the only way to go. But assuming that I am going to do this thing my self, I would appreciate any input you may have. Thank you in advance, Marina
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Sounds Good, Marina
You probably have more experience in glass than most of us. The only suggestions are: First, drill a plug out of the damaged section to get a close up view of the lamination schedule. Second, you need to be sure you put a compatable primer on before the bottom paint. Rick Dinon.
You probably have more experience in glass than most of us. The only suggestions are: First, drill a plug out of the damaged section to get a close up view of the lamination schedule. Second, you need to be sure you put a compatable primer on before the bottom paint. Rick Dinon.
questions
Hi Rick, Are you thinking that it is best to take a core sample so that I know how thick the hull is in this area? I never thought of taking a sample. I suppose knowing the thickness and knowing the make up (what type of fiber was used...woven or mat etc) would be valuable info. Do all bottom coats have primers. Till now, I thought you just slap on the antifouling paint. Come to think of it, I do remember people discussing primers. What type of primer would you recommend for ablative. If I choose a non ablative fouling paint, would I use a different primer? I suppose there must be some sort of universal primer out there so that I can't go wrong. I think my hull has ablative antifouling paint on it. The reason I am thinking this is because it rubs off when it is wet. When it is stored on the hard, the hull will show water run marks too. If you have suggestions, I would be very happy. I could call West Marine and talk to one of the tech. guys there I suppose. But it would be better for me if I could get advice from you sailors. Often, when I call marine supply stores, I question the advice I get. I feel that they will push me into the most expensive item. But when I get advice from sailors that have already tried a product, I prefer that much better. Any way, thank you. Marina
Hi Rick, Are you thinking that it is best to take a core sample so that I know how thick the hull is in this area? I never thought of taking a sample. I suppose knowing the thickness and knowing the make up (what type of fiber was used...woven or mat etc) would be valuable info. Do all bottom coats have primers. Till now, I thought you just slap on the antifouling paint. Come to think of it, I do remember people discussing primers. What type of primer would you recommend for ablative. If I choose a non ablative fouling paint, would I use a different primer? I suppose there must be some sort of universal primer out there so that I can't go wrong. I think my hull has ablative antifouling paint on it. The reason I am thinking this is because it rubs off when it is wet. When it is stored on the hard, the hull will show water run marks too. If you have suggestions, I would be very happy. I could call West Marine and talk to one of the tech. guys there I suppose. But it would be better for me if I could get advice from you sailors. Often, when I call marine supply stores, I question the advice I get. I feel that they will push me into the most expensive item. But when I get advice from sailors that have already tried a product, I prefer that much better. Any way, thank you. Marina
Yes To Both Questions
You do need to primer the repaired area. There are primers specifically designed for hull prep prior to bottom painting. I don't think it makes a difference what kind of bottom paint goes over it, but the instructions will let you know. It does sound like you have an ablative paint. However, you must either strip the hull completely or find out exactly what kind of paint is on it. You can't wing it. There are three (West Coast) distinct coatings and they are not compatable in many combinations. A call to the prior pwner may be in order. Good luck. Rick D.
You do need to primer the repaired area. There are primers specifically designed for hull prep prior to bottom painting. I don't think it makes a difference what kind of bottom paint goes over it, but the instructions will let you know. It does sound like you have an ablative paint. However, you must either strip the hull completely or find out exactly what kind of paint is on it. You can't wing it. There are three (West Coast) distinct coatings and they are not compatable in many combinations. A call to the prior pwner may be in order. Good luck. Rick D.
Don't forget
that you must taper the patch in order to properly hold. There are rules on how big the patch will be at the hull surface in order to fix a small crack in the hull. Your patch needs a lot of surface area in order to hold. This is done by tapering the replacement plug.
that you must taper the patch in order to properly hold. There are rules on how big the patch will be at the hull surface in order to fix a small crack in the hull. Your patch needs a lot of surface area in order to hold. This is done by tapering the replacement plug.
Second Set of Hands
The location of this crack is in such an area that I will not be able to get to it from the inside easily. The only way to get to it from the inside would be to take the engine out and cut through the glass flooring that makes up aft end of the boat just high enough off the cradle to do my work. I thought I would build another support that will support the hull at the transom. I can use a 4 ton jack to lift her. I just wish I had a few sailor friends around my area to help. I am certain that I will be able to do this. It is just nice having someone close by for reassurance. I have a friend that lives a couple of states away that drops in from time to time. Maybe I will plan my project while he is here just so I have a second set of hands. Thank you guys for your input. I have another question too. But maybe I will wait and spring it on you later. It is a mast raising question. This is the largest boat I have ever owned..Hunter 27. I noticed there is no hinged mast base. I suppose the only way to have it put into position is by the guys at the marina. I am curious about other options. The previous owner said that he used to raise it himself with the Crain off the end of the hoist. Marina
The location of this crack is in such an area that I will not be able to get to it from the inside easily. The only way to get to it from the inside would be to take the engine out and cut through the glass flooring that makes up aft end of the boat just high enough off the cradle to do my work. I thought I would build another support that will support the hull at the transom. I can use a 4 ton jack to lift her. I just wish I had a few sailor friends around my area to help. I am certain that I will be able to do this. It is just nice having someone close by for reassurance. I have a friend that lives a couple of states away that drops in from time to time. Maybe I will plan my project while he is here just so I have a second set of hands. Thank you guys for your input. I have another question too. But maybe I will wait and spring it on you later. It is a mast raising question. This is the largest boat I have ever owned..Hunter 27. I noticed there is no hinged mast base. I suppose the only way to have it put into position is by the guys at the marina. I am curious about other options. The previous owner said that he used to raise it himself with the Crain off the end of the hoist. Marina
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