Fiberglass repair

[ericcarr2000]

Quick question here. I notice that on one of my engine compartment hatches there is a cracking noise that comes from it when stepped on. Can someone explain how I can apply some extra support underneath it? What all I would need???

 

[Woodonglass]

How big's the hatch? Pics will help us give the best advice

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Well if your hearing cracking..then your hatch(es) are probably core shot. You could add all the support in the world under there but it wont do ya any good if there is no core left in it lol.

Where in MI are you? If its close to me I could drop by and take a peek at it with you.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Hi yacht dr. The boat is docked at a marina in bay city.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Thats a tad out of the way for me right now.

Did you determine if your coring was shot?

 

[ericcarr2000]

Well the thing is the area of the hatch is only probably about 1/2" thick. I was thinking of maybe putting some fiberglass strips on the underside of it to Beefen it up a bit,

 

[Quantumn]

As mentioned earlier Erriccarr2000, pictures would give us a better idea of the structure/setup and allow proper suggestions. I would tend to believe that fiberglass strips would be just a temp fix/bandage. The core material being only 1/2 inch does not seem strong enough to be stepped on (especially if the core material has been compromised) unless there was cross supports built in. Should be a easy and quick fix but to do it proper would entail more information and visuals.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Ok..well IF the core is good but the hatch is just weak by design..then you could glass in some 2x2s on the belly. As long as they wont interfere with anything down there.

Cut some 2xs to whatever length you can fit and round one side. Grind the hatch gelcoat off about 6" where you plan on putting the supports. Glue the wood down with whatever..then glass over them with a few 4 strips of 1.5 oz mat..or a few strips of 1708. Brush some gelcoat on when its sticky/tacky and Bada bing bada boom!

But yea..if you can post some pics it would be great to verify this