Fiberglass Mat Question

[smitty112233]

I have a 1966 Crownline that I bought on Ebay for $150.00. The floor needs to be replaced and I've never done any boat restoration project before. What weight mat should I use when I put the floor down.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Fiberglass Mat Question

Welcome to the board, Smitty! <br /><br />You have asked the first of what will be many, many questions. I suggest you read some of the past posting here and look at project pictures etc to familiarize yourself with the scope of the project BEFORE you rip into it.<br /><br />Fiberglass mat comes in different weights (thickness) and types. There are no rules but each mat type has it’s own application advantages and disadvantages…and techniques for laying. The varying weights allows for layering, contouring, and feathering, and finish. You have some flexibility in selecting the weight. You should be considering the overall final thickness of the fiberglass/resin/epoxy you desire. One or two layers of light-weight mat is often used on the floor. Significantly more layers of medium weight glass mat for stringer work. If your floor needs fixing I’m guessing you probably have stringer issues, as well, but not necessarily.<br /><br />West Systems is one of many manufactures of fiberglassing systems. It is readily available, good stuff, but pricy. Your project will probably be big enough to justify buying your materials in bulk from a different manf. However, I suggest you pick up a copy of West System’s book called Fiberglass Boat Repair And Maintenance for about $3.25 wherever West Systems is sold. It will give you a broad overview (with pix) of what you will be doing and the materials. Of course, there are tons of other books with more details, etc, but that West System book is a good, inexpensive one to start with. Also grab West System’s free User Manual while you are there. It has good info in it, too.

 

[jimmythekid]

Re: Fiberglass Mat Question

i bought the thickest stuff i could find and just went to town, UNTIL I found out how much resin costs then I started using the thickest I could find for the vertical portions, I think its biaxial with a chopped strand matting on the backside, and some stiching holding it together flexible and for the horizontal parts i used some stuff that looks like the pot holders I made my Mother (bless her heart) at school when I was a kid Woven together and somewhat stiff again the thickest of that type. I only wish I knew of this board and the people here before I started. Whatever the stuff I used is called, Its not going anywhere for a real long time, and I probly have the stiffest Sea Ray around even though mine might weigh a little more than it should, its a whole lot lighter than it was when I got it, and I am not gonna race it so Oh well at least when i hit the big waves I know Im gonna be able to come around and do it again oh and it ended up being about 1/8 inch thick around the stringers after wet out and drying maybe a little more, around the stringers and only slightly less everywhere else, just the woven stuff used ALOT less resin<br /><br />Guys let me know if this sound right I think it might be overkill (which isnt bad) but then again I might have messed it up entirely. I just know that its WAY stronger than it was. And will last along time (after all mom still has the potholders)<br /><br />Good luck, and I wish I would have bought a book.

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Fiberglass Mat Question

Should mention as well that if you plan on using epoxy resins you need a special mat. Regular mat that you'd buy at an autobody shop usually won't work. Most are made with stitching that disolves when you use poly resin. The cloth on the other hand works with all types of resin.

 

[BillP]

Re: Fiberglass Mat Question

This works but isn't the only way...Use 6-8" wide strips of 1.5 or 3oz mat with a layer of 18oz or 24oz woven roving between them to hold floor to hull. If you want more strength add alternating layers. Glass all the way around and grind the edges flush.<br /><br />For the floor top use one layer of 3/4oz surfacing mat. 1.5oz mat works if you want it to be bullet proof. Glassing the top is for ding and weather protecting.