Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

[dlw]

I have an old 14 ft fishing boat that I just bought for my kids that need a new floor and some exterior repair. The current floor is old plywood that was screwed down with drywall screws that came through the hull. When we do the work, I want to add a platform in the bow to stand on while fishing. We also want to paint it when finished. I didn't pay very much at all for the boat, and want to do this project with my 15 & 12 year old boys help. I can work with wood and have made some fiberglass repairs on an old jon boat before, but need more info before I tackle this project.<br /><br />DLW

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

Search thru the "project boats" forum here.. Bet you'll find most of the answers to any questions you may have..

 

[dlw]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

Most of what I read was helpful. Some specific questions I still have-What type of fabric is best. When I did a small repair before on another boat, the fabric would fall apart and bunch up on me. Does the wood need fabric on both sides or just the top side. For small holes, what should I use to fill them. An area that has holes drilled from previous owners on the bow, has a texture, how can I match the texture. It's a bumpy no skid finish.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

For holes, gouges & the like you can't beat Marine Tex. It is a two part product that is like steel when cured.<br /><br />On the "how to fiberglass?" Suggest that you hit the reference section of you library.<br /><br />On the no skid floor question - - an easy, cheap but effective way to get the no skid is to broadcast some sand in wet paint and go over it with a roller.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

Try this web-site www.fiberglass-repair.com<br />Good luck with your project.

 

[dlw]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

www.fiberglass-repair.com was a great help. I also found a product called DURABAK. It's a waterproof paint thats used in Bed Liners and Marine applications. Thinking of using it for the floor and inside of the boat. Has anyone ever used this product?

 

[alumistar]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

dlw, just yesterday I seen a 1972 Sears runabout that was totally restored and had a brand new Merc 40hp w/power tilt and hydraulic steering. Funny thing was, I have never seen a boats interior completely, and I mean COMPLETELY lined with RhinoLiner! It seriously looked cooler than snake snot, but I was curious whether or not it was too heavy. I asked the tech that installed the motor, who by the way test-piloted the boat, and he said not only was it water tight, but it floated perfectly level. He noted only a 75-85lb. increase in the boats overall weight. Tell you what, sure looks like it would weigh more but hey, what do I know, I'm only a First Mate! <br /><br />p.s. The tech's printout showed a top speed of 29 knots, which ain't slow for a 14ft runabout from the people at the Roebuck's sister company! And oh yeah, that's at an altitude of 8,500 feet. Check your map of CO and look for Lake Grandby, it might be a little higher than that! Beautiful area though!

 

[snohomishbaddawg]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

I see lots of aluminium jet sleds around here with spray on liners on their interiors. Cleans up great, doesn't get banged up when stuff is dropped on it and gives good traction even wet! <br />I hae not seen it on a fiberglass boat but if it will adhere to fiberglass I see no reason it wouldn't work.

 

[dlw]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

Thanks for the help. I'm going to try the roll on liner. The cool thing is, is that you can pick a ton of colors.

 

[alumistar]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

go for it. show us a picture and do tell when you're done. happy floating.

 

[cggcpa1]

Re: Fiberglass Repair and Frabrication

I have thought about having spray in bedliner stuff sprayed into the cockpit floor of my cuddy, such as line x or rhino liner. Anyone ever heard of someone doing this? I bet it would really beef up the rigidity of the floor and provide non skid as well. I just wonder if its ok to put over gelcoat? Any ideas?