Hole in fibreglass :(

[cxxl]

UNfortunately today i rammed a warf pole which had a damn bolt which pierced the fibreglass hull.... about 1" square....<br />I have never fibreglassed before, and i know i can buy a kit for repair with glass patch, resin and talc etc...<br />My questions... <br />1. Do i fibreglass patch internally and bog fill the outside? By bog fill i mean resin with talc.? (White) Other options ?<br />2. How do i prepare the inside first to bond the patch glass? .... do i have to sand away the inside coating to expose the glass or will it bond directly ( u know... that mottly, spotted painted coating stuff)<br />3. Any other tips or suggestions would be appreciated.<br />Regards,<br />Chris

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Hole in fibreglass

I'd grind the inside and glass in a 12" square piece of the heavy matt type of fiberglass cloth using "West System" 2 part epoxy resin. Then fill in the outside mixing the resin with the thickener that goes with it. Think its 404 or 304. Mix it up till it's the consistency of peanut butter. Not sure about "talc" though. Unless you're using it to put yer rubber gloves on.

 

[speed29668]

Re: Hole in fibreglass

Talc will work fine for filling applications. It sands relatively easy. You may want to add a piece of bi-axial cloth or woven roving if it is a high stress application. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Hole in fibreglass

This sounds like it may be too large a hole to repair with only a "bog" fill (I like that term...we may have to import it here!), and you should use tape or fabric on the back, at least.<br />For little spots or where the fiber is still there, I love Marine Tex. It's a wonder repair stuff, and fills some big holes.<br />I've used it for years on a 'glass drift boat, which routinely scrapes over rocks and gravel. The bottom and half the rockers are almost all Marine Tex, and the rocks down't seem to scrape it away!

 

[crab bait]

Re: Hole in fibreglass

by- all- means if you can get to the inside surface,,, sand at will.. no paint allowed..<br /><br />then soak some quadrupuled or 6 drupulled ( folded up ) fiberglass cloth ,, slap it over the inside of hole .. at least 6 inches all-round over lap.. then marine tex ( epoxy putty ) the out side of hole.. <br /><br /> sand &feather egde the repair.. wash with ammonia to remove any amine blush ( wax ) an paint ... no primer needed or wanted.. <br /><br />i would not sand the inside patch... may just a little an also paint.. <br /><br />only uv rays hurt epoxy..