Why Google when I subscribe to a forum with a number of people who have probably done the same thing and can provide someone novice to fiberglass repair suggestions? Think of it like going up to a subject matter expert and asking them how's the best way to do something rather than what's in the manual. I have my original manual from 77, but before googling and getting a bunch of stupid answers I thought I'd ask in this thread. For instance do I need to lay fibers in and use gel coat or do I need epoxy filler? Not trying to get snotty I just don't like people telling others to just google something when they reach out for help.
Editorial:
Yes, you are correct, except...
In many cases, perhaps not yours, it indicates that the OP hasn't done their own homework and is asking others to do it for them.
There's a good reason for these forums, and you described it nicely.
However, the "use of the available" is an important thing to remember.
Many times questions are general, like yours: "Here's what I have, what do I do with it?"
That prompts replies like mine, although, as I have and
I almost ALWAYS DO,
I gave you a link. No way for me to know you already had it.
Everybody with a boat should have the manual for their boat. For almost all Catalinas, they are available on the web. I remember that fiberglass section from my 1981 Catalina 22, and it was with my 1981 Catalina 25, and my 1986 Catalina 34. Other boat manuals may be harder to find, but this forum has a great section for other boat manufacturers' manuals thanks to the great skippers who are active here in sharing information. If you don't have one, there are so many helpful skippers out there, I'd bet they can find one.
In your case, you already have the manual with the information. It's good information, and I wouldn't do it any other way. If someone would, then maybe they'll answer.
If there are more SPECIFIC questions, like: "I've read XYZ's material, but if I do A before B will that be OK?" make a lot more sense.
And, BTW, using Google may, and almost always will, give you ADDITIONAL input that you may not receive on JUST THIS particular board. There may be people who HAVE the answers but are out sailing today or this week or don't read this particular topic.
I just answered another question on another boating forum from a skipper in Las Vegas about his rigging. He couldn't find help on sizing a turnbuckle or a tang. I Googled "sailboat rigger Las Vegas NV" and found 15 riggers within 5 miles of where this guy has his boat! Sheez.
If you reread my post, you'll see that I've given you different SOURCES for your question. I did not simply say: "This is a stupid question, go Google it!"
Did I?
Why do you think Google will give you "stupid answers?" I don't get that at all.
Just tryin' to help.
Good luck.
PS - I just looked again at your picture. It appears someone used Marine Tex on the bottom part, really messy. The top holes are different. ITWMB, I'd sand them down and then decide what to do. Options are Marine Tex again or that or epoxy, faired and gelcoat on the top.
Just like the manual says.
