Fiber selection

[Indymike]

'73 Saf T Mate 16' tri hull<br />Will be using epoxy.<br /><br />Too many choices. Some questions on selecting the fiber cloth or tapes to use in different spots.<br />1.I've seen 1708 biax mentioned for stringers... is the matting on this the same matting that is NOT recommended for epoxy? Is 17 oz. biax without the mat acceptable? Thinking of using 4,6,12 in. tapes to tab stringers from hull to top edge of stringer then laying same over top in a sepperate step. (I think this may be an easier install for a rookie glasser).<br /><br />2.I Want to put a layer of faric down inside over entire hull bottom and run up the sides a few inches (factory glass was pretty sloppy)prior to stringers or transom just to tie it all together. Is a 6oz. biax a logical choice for this ?<br /><br />3.Type and weight of fabric at transom ? Tabing material ? Transom has been removed and will be rebuilt with double 3/4 marine ply. Stringers will also be double 3/4 marine ply.<br /><br />4.Tabbing maerial at sole to hull sides...similar to stringers?<br /><br />This seems like a very typical redo but I have read about all I can find but just can't seem to come up with a conclusion. Want to get the glass work done before the snow flies.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Mike

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Fiber selection

I was never an expert on what to use, my belief is that you should just use the heaviest material you can get that will not kill the wallet and will be able to be used in the application. Corners are hard to do with heavier material, so if you radius the corners, the material will work better without lifting. To me, your plan sounds like it will be more than adequate, and most likely far superior to the original structure. Good luck..

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Fiber selection

Not an expert, either. The glassing I do is mostly repair so there is previous glass in place that I use for a reference. Anywhere West Systems epoxy and supplies is sold you will find their $2.95 how-to-repair-it book for boats. It will illustrate how to pre-wet, tab and lay stringers. I use the charts and product descriptions from that book. They have applications suggestions for fillers and fabrics. There is a chart for how many hand laid layers of a given weight of fabric you will need to achieve a specific thickness. There is also a West Systems product guide that is free. Pick it up, too. Another good source of info. You don’t have to use West System’s product but it is a good reference. I haven’t look but you might find this info on the West System’s website.<br /><br />You will want to layer the material. Each layer should overlap ¼ inch further than the previous. When you are done, the material should extend 12 times the thickness of the glass on the stringer. If you have ¼ inch of glass on your stringer, the layers of material should ‘feather’ out to 3 inches on the hull. You are distributing the difference in flexibility between the stringer and the hull to prevent cracking of the epoxy. There are several good books on this but the el cheap-o West System’s book is easy to read and follow with pics if you have a basic understanding of what you are trying to accomplish.<br /><br />Good luck!!!

 

[Indymike]

Re: Fiber selection

thanks for the replies guys it helps. Looking toward the 1708 style fabric. <br /><br />Jason how muchresin did you use on your boat. Mine is real close to the same size and I was guessing at 10 gal. for initial order.<br /><br />Thanks for the help.