What is this stuff?

[mogfisher]

Its a bondo like substance used to attach the transom to splashwell and also was used to bond the main cockpit floor (which was part of the cap) to the stringers. First assumption is that its marine grade body filler but that is pretty expensive stuff and tracker used this stuff pretty liberally so I figure they must have a cheaper alternative. It is really strong and I'd like to use something similar to reconnect the cap and hull. Another reason I was questioning it being bondo is becuause bondo sets pretty fast, and in order to use that in this case the manufacturer would have had to mix and spread the bondo in multiple locations and then drop and align the cap before it sets. Here are some pics for reference. It is a 1989 Bass Tracker 1800TF. Thanks!

 

[CN Spots]

Re: What is this stuff?

I doubt it's Bondo. It looks like resin and 'glass aka: peanut butter. It would have been on hand at the manufacturer unlike automotive body filler (which is also porous and absorbs and holds water).

 

[mogfisher]

Re: What is this stuff?

I didn't think it was automotive body filler, but 3m makes a couple marine fillers. But at over 100 bucks a gallon I doubt that's what it is. My second thought was what you said. Resin and something like cabosil which would be good because its cheap and gives you a bit of time to work with it. Basically, when I reinstall my cap I have to slather the stringers with it, then slather the transom before I drop the cap on. I will then only have the time it takes for the resin to cure to get the cap aligned or I'm skrewed! But at least resin will give me more time than body filler. I might even be able to apply the transom stuff after the cap is set on the stringers. Depending on how it looks when I do a dry fit. Thanks for the input!

Adam

 

[CN Spots]

Re: What is this stuff?

Whatever it is it doesn't look like they did a good job of evenly applying it. It's also possible, given the boats age, that it may have been repaired before. If that's the case, all bets are off, it could be roofing tar lol.

 

[mogfisher]

Re: What is this stuff?

I suppose its possible that it was repaired before, but if so the fiberglass work is amazing for a repair. It really does not seem like it's ever been torn into. In order to get the cap off the floor of the cockpit area has to be cut out and there are some things about it that would be really hard to replicate after the fact. It looks black where it was exposed. I'm guessing that's a mildew or something but when it's opened up its white and hard as a rock. It chips with a hammer and is amazingly strong. I guess I'll just use a resin/fiberglass filler to replicate it. I'll search around for the infamous "peanut butter" recipe. I know it's on here somewhere.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: What is this stuff?

I've read nearly every repair thread on here over the last few years and I've never heard of anyone referring to their 'glass boat's original construction as being "amazing". In most cases they (the manufacturer) cut every corner that they can in order to keep costs down. Sounds like you lucked up and scored a tough little boat! Good luck on the rebuild and keep us posted.

Heres a link to a peanut butter thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=384236&highlight=peanut+butter+recipe

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What is this stuff?

There are many types of putty used in boat building, in this case they used it to bond the liner (deck) to the hull and stringers, this is very common. They buy it in 55 gallon drums and its dispenced through a pump system that adds the correct amount of catalyst and mixes it. There are many different combinations of resins and fillers that can be used to meet the needs of each different application.

When it comes to the price, it's not a "Bondo" product, but you're comparing buying one gallon at a retail store to getting 20 drums at a time wholesale to the manufaturer, the price difference is huge.