Filling Hole In Fiberglass

johnjsa

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
127
I had a depthfinder mounted close to the trolling motor at the bow of my boat & wanted to remove it which I did. But now there is a hole which had been cut to run the cables through. What is the best way to repair the hole, it is approximately an inch in diameter.
 
Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
941
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

John,

It sort of depends on where the hole actually is and how you are going to finsh the repair. If you are going to do a gel coat finish then that would require slightly different steps as opposed to painting the final product. Have any pics? You-Tube has multiple videos by TAP plastics showing fiberglass repair including a good one for hole repair in a hull.
 

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

a proper thru hull hole is an inside out repair...

scuff both sides clean.....glass the back (inside) with a few layers of csm.

then repair the gellcoat like any other gellcoat hit
 

valkyre185SS

Recruit
Joined
Sep 13, 2010
Messages
3
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

a proper thru hull hole is an inside out repair...

scuff both sides clean.....glass the back (inside) with a few layers of csm.

then repair the gellcoat like any other gellcoat hit
I have a similar issue. Put in a GSPMAP System. The sonar needed to be mounted. Have a swim deck, did not want to run the cable all outside, over the swim deck and down to the Transducer mounting point. I drilled a hole, 3/4" all the way to the highest point under the swim deck. The screws I put in I sealed the holes, and screws with Life Seal, waterprof sealant. Will it work on the 3/4" hole that the cable runs through as well, or should I be looking to use something more meaty, like a 2 part "kneeding Epoxy", that is sold in like Walmart for boat and hole repair. I have nightmares of water getting into the hole and THERE GOES THE TRANSOM. Its mistakes like this that are, I believe the beginning of serous trouble. Any advise is needed
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

I agree with Inside/Out repair...

Grind/bevel 3" on outside..( enough for 3-4 layers of 1.5 oz mat layup ).
Put tape over hole on inside..
Pack hole from outside with whatever poly filler you have.
Wipe clean your 3" glass bevel with acetone.
Layup 3-4 layers of poly 1.5 oz mat on outside..
go inside and prep 4" square ( sand off All Gelcoat to glass ).
mix and lam 3 layers of 1.5 oz mat on inside..

Finish on the outside is sand/fair/ apply topcoat ( sand and polish if needed ).

YD.
 

sasto

Captain
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
3,918
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

Can you cover it with a plate or something that would look like it belongs there?
 

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

Will it work on the 3/4" hole that the cable runs through as well, or should I be looking to use something more meaty, like a 2 part "kneeding Epoxy", that is sold in like Walmart for boat and hole repair. I have nightmares of water getting into the hole and THERE GOES THE TRANSOM. Its mistakes like this that are, I believe the beginning of serous trouble. Any advise is needed


valkyre......welcome to i boats :)

for confusions sake and your ability to find this again....you should start your own thread for this question....however.....3/4 is a big hole for just sealant.....virtually 99% of the transoms i have done are due to a screw hole that was not properly sealed.

for standard screw holes 3m 5200.
fot eh big 3/4 inch i would do something like a dowell and epoxy repair...or dowell poly and gellcoat depending on what kind of finish you want.

Can you cover it with a plate or something that would look like it belongs there?

Eh ??

YD.


sorry sasto...i didnt get you either.

cheers
oops
 

sasto

Captain
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
3,918
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

I have to explain myself and it's to early for a brew. Well on second thought.:)

I once removed a fishfinder from the bow of my old bass boat. I had a piece of teak I cut to fit the V of the bow and secured her over the hole. Just saved me alot of work.... and who else has teak on the bow of their bass boat?... Heck, I don't know....maybe a hood ornament off an old Caddy. Simple minded I am. :cool:
 

sasto

Captain
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
3,918
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

I've had my brew now.:D.....I think he is talking about a hole in his deck....If I'm wrong, then that will be only the 5th time today...I still have 10 more to meet my average.....just ask the Admiral.
 

valkyre185SS

Recruit
Joined
Sep 13, 2010
Messages
3
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

Thanks again OOPS, you are always great at helping out. Thanks for taking the time
When I better figure this site out, I will find out how to start a thread on my own. Have'nt got that yet
:(
 

mxcobra

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 27, 2011
Messages
526
Re: Filling Hole In Fiberglass

Can you cover it with a plate or something that would look like it belongs there?
that would work great for a mistake hole in a house-but not a boat......
 
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