Fiberglass boat with hole

[netherjeff]

I have a older gentlemen in my neighborhood with 80's SeaRay boat. He wants to give it away, so I'm willing to deal with any issues that may arise. Engine runs great on muffs, rest of the boat needs a really good cleaning and buffing. One significant problem is that he cut a square hole in the hull (why? I do not know.) He still has the square pc he removed too. I've watched and researched quite a few fiberglass repair videos, etc, particularly the boat works today videos. I feel confident I can do this structural repair safely. I also have access to the inside, so I am able to work on both sides of the repair area.

The question I haven't been able to answer is whether I should us the square pc as a patch or do I just start over and build up the fiberglass on both sides of the hole? Thank you.

 

[Bgbbgb246]

I would think the only issue you would run into by using the original square is ending up with a noticeable bump after laying material over the area where you insert the square. Additionally, it may not be as strong just laying surface patches over each side while the edges of the patch have relatively little bonding action. If its a small square, it may be easier to make look good and make stronger if you just shove a backer on the inside and start new. I don't know a ton about fiberglass work but i had a guy fix a large crack in the bow of a boat once. He cut a big piece out to get rid of the compromised fiberglass and just started fresh. He made a pretty big hole and didn't seem so have any issue with it.

 

[Chris1956]

the best repair would be done from the inside, where you can lay thicker glass over the hole, without it being seen. If you can repair from the inside, you could reuse the original cut , or new glass. It will make no difference.

If you want to repair from the out side, you will need to grind around the hole so you have some surface to glass to.It is much more difficult to get a good unnoticeable repair. Using the original cut out is not advisable.

 

[gm280]

Pop up a picture or three so we all can see what you are dealing with. And maybe he cut the square hole trying to find a leak or soft spot. And if that is so, you may be in for a lot more then repairing a square hole. JMHO!

 

[Scott Danforth]

on an 80's sea ray, you may have stringers and transom to deal with.

see link 14 in its entirety. https://forums.iboats.com/forum/boa...r/295740-how-to-s-and-other-great-information