Fiberglass Repair HELP!

[jrichardson88]

I posted this a few weeks ago. I have a 1986 Pro-craft 1750. It has a soft spot under the Console about a 12in X 12in square. I looked under the carpet, and the Fiberglass is broken. There is no damage to the outer hull, and does not leak. What is the best way to repair. Please help.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

Is the hole inside the boat under the console? I have done quite a few repairs with fiberglass. You want to get fiberglass cloth. Most auto parts stores carry it. Also you will need to get a quart of resin and hardner.<br /><br />Paint the damaged area first with a good coat of the mixed resin [I use a 20 oz soda bottle that I cut open and only pour in about 1 1/2" of resin into the bottle, mix in that small container using a disposalbe 1" paint brush add about 6 six drops of hardner}(WEAR RUBBER DISPOSABLE GLOVES You have been warned) and cover the wet resin with a single layer of the cloth that extends past the damaged area by about 2" on all sides. Continue to paint the wet resin onto the cloth mat repair and then leave it alone until it dries to the touch. This could take a while but it will harden. Repeat this process until you have about 4 to 5 layers of mat with resin built up. Each layer will require a new container and brush. This repair can then be sanded smooth (wear a dust mask) and the carpet replaced over it.<br /><br />So here is a small laundry list for you:<br /><br />1 Quart Fiberglass resin (comes with hardner)<br />1 pkg of fiberglass cloth (8 sq feet)<br />4 or 5 1" polyester cheap paint brushes<br />4 or 5 20 ounce empty soda bottles<br />1 pkg of disposable gloves<br />1 painters dust mask<br /><br />The fumes are not good for you. Do this all in a very open area not in a garage. The fumes last for 2 days. The fiberglass cloth will irratate your skin so avoid as much contact as possible. No if you get the resin on your skin it could irratate and burn but just finish the repair. If you have it on you (and you will) use shaving cream and scrub you hands with it. This will help get the resin off your hands then wash with soap and water.<br /><br />If you should find a serious crack in the hull you can repair it basically the same way however cracks need to be veed [V} out and small holes should be drilled at each end of the crack to prevent it going further. Since you will have the supplies and you have a soft spot you should check the entire floor out.<br /><br />Any questions Just ask.<br /><br />Just be careful fiberglass is great stuff but can be very nasty too.<br /><br />Good luck. Bob

 

[jrichardson88]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

Thank you very much, I will get started this weekend.<br /><br />As long as I stay away from the affected area, will this weaken my boat?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

If it is an isolated spot and the softness does not spread across the entire boat..NO.<br />That repair will become as tough as the rest of the boat.<br /><br />I did forget one slight thing you should pre-sand the area before the repair. You want to be adhering fiberglass to fiberglass and not to carpet fibers or dirt.<br /><br />Bob

 

[jrichardson88]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

I have more problems than I thought, When I initially posted this someone told me that the plywood may be decayed. They are right, The runners are fine, So do I need to replace the wood? IT runs the lenght of the boat so I don't think I can. Do I just use the fiberglass or WHAT???

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

Sorry to hear that it is worse than originally thought however, it is better to catch it and repair it then ignoring it. Well, it sounds like a re-build project now.<br />Determine how bad the plywood is decayed by poking around with a screwdriver. Most plywood repairs are not as bad as they seem. You will certainly gain allot of boat building knowledge. <br /><br />Determine what thickness the plywood is? 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" and determine if you can replace only a large section as opposed to the entire decking. Is the edging solid or is it soft to the edge of the deck? Is the plywood covered in a fiberglass cloth? OR is it just covered by carpet? Don't confuse the carpet glue for fiberglass. There are MANY differant types of plywood on the market and what I would recommend is at the upper end of the cost spectrum. (Marine grade, pressure treated, A/A) Just do not use the cheaper unless you want to do these repairs over again.<br /><br />Let us here on the forum know if you have fiberglass coated wood, how big of an area and we will help guide you through this. If you are handy with a circular saw and a screwgun this will be easier.<br /><br />Bob

 

[jrichardson88]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

Okay, Here we go I will try to explain this the best I can.<br />Right under the driver console where your feet are resting was where it was busted (glass). The decay seems to go all the length of the console to the runner the console rest on. And up under the seat about six to eight inches. (Not weakend as of yet)<br />I have chipped away as much as I could so it can dry, There are 2 runners the width of console running back to front. These runners are in great shape.<br />So, I am going to cut away as much of the decay as I can, and replace. I don't beleive I will get all of it. The way the boat is made I cannot get to all of it. <br />How will I attach the new wood to the runners? (Glue??)<br /><br />Let's hope for the best!<br /><br />Thank you very much for your help

 

[jrichardson88]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

I have completed the project!!I chipped away the rot, Done just what the directions stated and it seems to be good as new. <br /><br />HOW LONG DOES IT NEED TO CURE??<br /><br />If it had not been for the forum this would not have been so easy.<br /><br />thanks again,<br /><br />J. Richardson

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

Congratulations, it is a good feeling when we complete a project on our own.<br /><br />The fiber glass should be completely cured in 24 hours depending on the oveall thickness. If you ever need to use screws on a boat or fastners go with brass screws (cheap for wood) and stainless. This will extend the life.<br /><br />Now that the repair is completed sunlight will assit in the overall curing. Use your own judgement and see if you want to add an additional layer of cloth to the repair for yet more strength. I would suggest you feel the repair for little fiberglass gremlins such as sharp points that may be sticking up. They are not fun to step on. You can sand the repair smooth (get rid of the sharp spots) and glue carpet over it when you are done.<br /><br />Best of luck!<br /><br />Bob

 

[Walleye King]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

I just bought a boat that I know the outdrive and motor are in good shape, but the boat interior is shot. An AMP 17' with a mercruiser 120 for 500.<br /><br />The wood is shot and it is fiberglass coated.<br /><br />I read this post and I need to know would I apply the sheets to both sides of the plywood or just the top side?<br /><br />The seats/cushions for the open bow and the sides that are backed with plywood, would you use marine grade there too?<br /><br />Yes, I am an idiot and have no idea what I am doing!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

King - First welcome - tons of info here.<br /><br />You should have better results by starting a new thread rather than tagging your problem to the bottom of this one.<br /><br />You need to tell us where on the boat the wood is shot. I suggest that you get farmiliar with the Search function at the top of the page and also spend some time in the Project Boats Section.

 

[Walleye King]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

Yep you are right about starting a new thread! I thought about that as well. <br /><br />i did a search as I always do and this was the only and closest post with my situation. I will go over to the project area and hit you guys up!<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

Congratulations on using the search feature! This post is almost two years old.... since that time iboats has GROWN and now there is a specific project boat section. <br /><br />Your on the right track just take your time and ask all the questions you want.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Walleye King]

Re: Fiberglass Repair HELP!

I have a forum and belong to a few others as well, hate when I see the same question 32 times a week!