fiberglassing panels

[therigwelder]

i am replacing the floor and building a fishing deck on my 14ft fiberglass boat,i have all the wood panels cut and have dry fitted everything.i would like to fiberglass each panel outside the boat on saw horses then install them in the boat screwing them to the stringers.leaving only seams and screw holes to cover in glass.is it possible to do it this way?i want to minimize the work in the boat and i feel that glassing on the panels on the horses would be the easiest way cause i am dealing with panels instead of the entire boat at one time

 

[Bondo]

Re: fiberglassing panels

i have all the wood panels cut and have dry fitted everything.

Ayuh,... Sure, Go for it...

Just remember they'll grow slightly when glassed...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: fiberglassing panels

Do you NOT plan on having One final layer of Solid glass to cover all the seams?? Or are you going to just cover the seams with strips of glass?

 

[therigwelder]

Re: fiberglassing panels

Was planning on two layers of strips 6in wide

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: fiberglassing panels

Most of the guys on here do their decks in multiple panels. Then the last layer or two they lay a long continuous layer of glass to give it a continuous finished look. This link will give you an idea of what I am talkin about. He did exactly what you are suggesting.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=365820&page=19&highlight=micks110

 

[jonesg]

Re: fiberglassing panels

I pre-glassed all my stringers and casting deck, then installed them.
Be sure to use unwaxed resin, not homey depot resin.
Its so much easier on the back to work on trash cans instead of your knees.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: fiberglassing panels

This will work, but will be less strong than glassing them in place with one piece of cloth. Be sure to prep the seams properly (sand, wipe clean, pre-wet with resin) before glassing with polyester. Watch out for the edges of the strips poking out of the glass when done, and watch for delamination there when high stress is applied.

If you're using epoxy, then no problem, just do the same basic prep and it'll be more than strong enough.

 

[therigwelder]

Re: fiberglassing panels

Epoxy to pricey allready have 5 gal of polyester. I think I will the advice and
after I glass the panels I will use a a layer full length