Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

[zarillus]

I sooooo freaking confused now!!!!!

We need a forum for just fiberglassing.One for poly guys and one for epoxy guys.There is so much info that the average newbie like myself... gets all confused!!! 1708,cloth,mat,roven,hexcel,carbon fiber,kevlar.Poly,vinlyester,isopthlathic,epoxy

Holy #@$% ,maybe just what ype of fiberglass should go where would be nice.

Anybody else feel my pain!!

Epoxy Guys:
Buildup recommendations?
Bare Hull /type and size
Stringers /type and size
Transom /type and size

Poly
Buildup recommendations?
Bare Hull/type and size
Stringers /type and size
Transom//type and size

Re-inforcement on existing layers

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

Did you check all the info here?

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288451

 

[Oilguy]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

I feel ya dude!

I am just going to wing it and hope for the best!

OG

 

[zarillus]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

Bear-

I saw the post however it's overkill to a new guy,it goes into great detail and is focused on using ployester resin.The types of glass used are for polyester,it makes small mention of using epoxy and glass types required.

Are there any Epoxy Guru's out there

 

[sschefer]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

I'm not a glass guy, I like Tinny's but if I were to become one I think that with everything you've read here you'ld be well prepared to discuss options with the rep for the products you are considering.

These forums are a great source of info but you're right, sometimes there's just way to much and it gets even more confusing when a specific process is used for a specialized situation. Often, a simple phone call to a product rep can get you on track and then the rest of it will all make sense. It's a lot easier to say "No, that's not what I mean" in a phone conversation than it is here.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

Maybe a DVD like this would be handy...

http://stores.infinityfrp.com/-strse-446/DVD-Gelcoat,-Fiberglass-Repair,/Detail.bok

I'm not positive but most glass is compatible with poly or epoxy resin... I understand your frustration, but once you decide on what resin, the folk here can guide you through the process... I kinda winged it myself... You can even practice on some scrap to get the feel of things... I do know Epoxy will most likely be stronger, and allow longer working time. I used poly on my deck project and feel it should hold up fine...

What does your project consist of? Deck only, stringers and deck?

 

[navis]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

If you are doing reinforcement of existing layers, which it said at the bottom of your post, this is what is best to do (poly resin).
Sand all the surfaces you are glassing down to the bare existing fibreglass, sand through all gel coat, etc.
Vacuum up and wash all surfaces with acetone.
Use a layer of CSM (chopped strand mat) this will stick to the existing layers and provide a bonding surface for the mat.
Then use roven 1708, this is where the strength is. Depending on what you are doing you may need to do tabbing and layer it out on the repair area slowly using bigger pieces.
It would be nice to please know what you are glassing, pics are nice too!
-Navis

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

It's not all that complicated, but it can seem that way at times.

Don't over think what it you're doing, just look at how it was made by the builder and if it lasted 20 to 30 years and the only problem is rotten wood, then just replace what was there to start with. If you want to add a little extra glass its not a big deal, but don't over do it. The amount of glass used in each part of a boat can vary a great deal depending on the design, so there's no exact rule on what should be on a transom or stringer.

On a typical stringer and/or transom repair you won't see any difference in the end product whether you use epoxy or polyester and for the most part the repairs are done in the exact same way. The only real difference is no mat needs to be used with epoxy.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

polyester resin is inexpensive, smells bad and has a very quick dry time.
epoxy resin is 4 times more expensive than polyester, has very little smell, and a drying time of a few hours, so you don't have to rush to lay down the glass. epoxy is suppose to be stronger than poly. but i do believe that both will outlast our life time if properly taken care of. i used epoxy for my build but was very expensive. i was using my brother in laws garage so i didn't want to smell his stuff up. lol. good luck.

 

[zarillus]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

ondarvr-Thanks you for the advice -I do tend to overthing things when there is some much information available on the internet.I need KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid) guide so i can just get my boat finished.

69cuda- I think i will get the DVD thanks!!

I don't want to start the epoxy vs poly war on here but just a simple guide that explains layup for each type of resin and what your doing.Hell maybe if i read more i can make one? HAHAHA

 

[new boat guy]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

i'm confused as well. it seems like you put a weal mat on the wood (or whatever) so it will bond good. put a "strong" mat thing on top of that then you paint or pour some type of resin over it?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

Go to fiberglasssite.com and call them. Tell them what your are doing, and they will tell you what product(s) you need. And they have good prices too. If I remember correctly, the owners name is Mike and he is the guy who answers the phone.

 

[special_kaye]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

I'm not positive but most glass is compatible with poly or epoxy resin...

Most of the time, this is correct. Some fiberglass cloths use a special coating on the fibers that only work with one or the other resin. Usually this is a non-issue if you purchase cloth and resin from the same place. But, I have seen one occasion 12 or so years ago where the cloth and resin were not compatible. Builder had to grind all the cloth off and start over.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Fiberglass.....Fiberglass..... Fiberglass....

Epoxy Guys:
Buildup recommendations?
Bare Hull /type and size
Stringers /type and size
Transom /type and size

My Capri's original stringer encapsulation was about 3/16'', so I went with 3 layers of 18 oz fabric. Two layers for the transom (I/O boat though)