Gelcoat using Mylar - anyone ever done this?

super_dork

Seaman
Joined
Apr 10, 2011
Messages
68
I found this video today and I'm thinking of changing my plans on rebuilding my transom.

Here's what I have now. I'm thinking of just cutting everything out then using the process in the video. Thoughts?

Here's a link to my build thread.
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-...ransom-rebuild



04CB1058-6065-4AEC-B6EA-75A21108DDEE_zps7051hr5a.jpg


FE9BE8AF-22CF-4422-9A4C-2C9F6D267340_zpspidhqrdu.jpg
 
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ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
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Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
It is one way to do it, but not necessarily the best or easiest.

A better way is to not cut out anything, just grind it down until it's paper thin in the damaged area, then do all the glass work on that side. When hard, grind the other side until all the damaged glass is gone, now glass that side, sand smooth and apply gel coat.

The problem with the method they show is that if the area is stressed or flexed it typically cracks around where the new and old glass meets.

I'm going to stop typing because the site is acting up too much right now
 
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alldodge

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Staff member
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Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,122
The repair in the vid was for an exterior area without core material. Your transom has a core which is ply wood. If this was on the side of your boat I would agree. Your rebuilding a transom and the whole outer area of the transom I see looks like it would be best to recoat the entire area with fresh gelcoat.

Not looking at your original thread, I would rebuild your transom from the inside and then do gel later.

Mylar is very good thin semi stiff plastic, you can use any plastic which is waxed for gel
 

super_dork

Seaman
Joined
Apr 10, 2011
Messages
68
Cool thanks for the responses. This is one of those deals where I'm finding lots of information and they all have their gotchas. I just didn't want to be doing a ton of extra finish work if there was an easy way.

I've already got the old transom cleaned out and started patching the bad spots from the inside before I cut my new core.

Anyway I'll keep down the path I'm on then. Thanks again!
 

super_dork

Seaman
Joined
Apr 10, 2011
Messages
68
I Highly recommend you review the first 10 pages of this guys thread. His transom is almost identical to yours and he did one of the best transom repairs on this forum. You will learn a Lot!!!

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat.../8127378-83-lund-sirius-total-gut-and-rebuild

Wow. I got to the one picture of his transom and he had the same little smiley face as me.

Thanks for the link to the thread. I've been scrolling through it all morning and getting some really good ideas. I added a few more layers of glass yesterday and will update the build thread later today. I've already gone past the point of filling the crack using the PB as he did - I CSM and 1708 in several layers. I'll have to do the same on the outside later.

Anyway thanks again and I'd love more feedback as I make progress. From what I'm reading, you are the man with the answers!
 
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