Hull fire damage repair

[crashtcs]

The one close up picture doesn't look like 1708, it looks like maybe a 10oz cloth. Are you using poly resin or epoxy? If you're using poly resin, you have to use either 1708 or CSM between layers of cloth. I'll take your word for it that its 1708 but it just didn't look like it in the picture.

Defintely 1708, and polyester resin. I think the picture you are referring to I have 3 layers of 1708 on top of one layer of 1.5 oz CSM. That area was my first try/experimentation firberglassing, and I layed one 1.5 oz CSM. Then I did one 1708 over the CSM. Then I added 2 1708 over that, which is what the picture shows.

 

[crashtcs]

Can I just add a coat of resin over cured 1708 to smooth it out, rather than laying CSM? I ask this because while adding another 1708 layer, in sections, some resin rolled onto an area of the previous 1708 layer. I let this cure, and the result was the previous rough layer with the over rolled res was pretty smooth after curing.

 

[kcassells]

Yes you can. Great for pin hole filling also. Also just prior to fairing run a very thin coat, wipe off then apply fairing so it bonds to the resin.

 

[kcassells]

At the end of the day you are going to do fairing so roughness now is not an issue.

 

[AShipShow]

Yep, what kcassels said... don't waste poly resin to smooth it out.. use fairing compound.

 

[crashtcs]

Here's the progress from this past weekend, laying up 1708 from top to bottom. On to fairing soon :joyous: I image a lot of time on that process to make sure I get as close as possible to original shape. Well, maybe not as close as possible, but within reason.

 

[kcassells]

Looking pretty good to me.

 

[crashtcs]

I decided to use epoxy fairing compound, and paint instead of gelcoat. Question about using Awlfair LW. The product sheet says prime with 545 Epoxy Primer and/or High Build or Hullgard Extra before application of Awlfair LW. Is this necessary? The fiberglass shop didn't say anything about it when selling me the Awlfair today. Is it necessary to use the primer before the Awlfair application?

 

[archbuilder]

Sorry can't help on the awlfair, haven't used it. But thank you for posting this repair, as others have mentioned, it is a really unusual one. Looks like you are making good progress. I usually defer to what the manufacturer says, unless your local guys have a reason for not using the primer. I see a lot of sanding in your future! I am subscribing, looking forward to your progress!

 

[kcassells]

Same as Arch says. Go to the guys who sold it to you for confirmation and perhaps the mfg. customer service line.
Sure don't want to do it 2x.

 

[crashtcs]

Amen -- don't want to do it 2x. That was the main reason I opted for epoxy fairing -- concerned about poly fairing popping after all the work of painting or gelcoat.

 

[AShipShow]

I would highly recommend following the manufacturers instructions. A lot of peoples opinions may differ and I ran into the same issue when researching duratec additive for gelcoat... A lot of people had differing opinions, and I ended up calling Hawkeye Industries directly and speaking with a tech rep and got exactly the info I needed (in this case, there was no good instruction sheet that came with the product).

If you can return the awlfair, you may want to look into an alternative fairing compound like totalfair or Petit products... I don't believe either of those require a primer before hand.

 

[crashtcs]

I talked to the place I bought it from, and they said primer is not needed in my situation. They said it is only required for metal surface.

 

[crashtcs]

I decided to use the Awlfair, and get moving towards painting the whole boat instead of repairing with gelcoat.

 

[kcassells]

There ya go! Looking like it should. Keep at it.

 

[AShipShow]

Good call on the paint decision unless you love sanding :laugh:

 

[archbuilder]

I agree on the paint with mad props, hate to see you sanding for the next year lol!

 

[crashtcs]

The sanding is hard on my aging shoulders, one which was diagnosed with greater than 80% torn supraspinatus in July this year. I lasted maybe an hour! I am going to recruit someone young to assist with the sanding.

 

[crashtcs]

I am nearing the painting stage! Now I have to chose my path for paint brand. I have read a lot about AlexSeal and Awlgrip, and am leaning towards AlexSeal. Anyone have experience with both? This is a fishing boat, and will be stored out of water.

 

[chevymaher]

Fine looking job there your doing.