How long before Fiberglass can go in the water?

[FirstTimeBoat]

I am almost finished repairing my transom,... I have to relaminate the outter skin to the new wood and finish off repairing around the cut lines. I won't be able to work on this till friday, and I would like to get it in the water saturday or sunday this weekend to test for leaks and such. Can anyone tell me how long I will need to let the resin cure before it can see water?

 

[MTboatguy]

What type of resin are you using?

 

[FirstTimeBoat]

Vinyl Ester Resin

 

[MTboatguy]

Vinyl Ester Resin

I have never used that type of resin before, did you get an instruction sheet with it that lists full cure times based on various mixture ratios?

Where is Woodonglass when you need him???

 

[Woodonglass]

I'd say about 2 hours after it kicks off. What's your temps and humidity?? Are you gelcoating it or just testing it with the bare glass?? Wax in the final coat of glass or no??

 

[FirstTimeBoat]

Well I'll be doing it outside,.. it's shaping up to be around 27 degrees celsuis or 80 farenheit. I was going to be using the wax in the final layer of glass, and then I want to paint it.... From what I read I can use a good exterior house paint. I'm not overly concerned about looks, I just want it to float and not leak lol

 

[MTboatguy]

. From what I read I can use a good exterior house paint.

Heck Wood paints boats with Tractor paint!

:lol:

 

[Woodonglass]

Hmm, yeah I use tractor paint but...It is oil based acrylic enamel with added hardener. Don't think I'd ever advise using water based house paint to paint a boat with. If you use wax in the final layer you can paint the glass in about 2 hours. You can put the boat in the water the next day after you paint it if you really want to but I'd wait at least 2 days to let it fully cure. Again, I'd highly advise you NOT to use a water based paint on your boat. I don't think you'll be pleased with it's durability or it's adhesion.

 

[FirstTimeBoat]

Alright,.. water based paint out... I'll get something a little more durable. I might be able to scrounge up some automotive paint. Would I be able to test it without paint?

 

[MTboatguy]

You don't need paint or gel coat to put it in the water as long as the glass is cured, you can put it in the water to check for leaks, I have had a couple of boats in the past that I never did finish and used for a few seasons with no problem.

 

[MTboatguy]

Hmm, yeah I use tractor paint but...It is oil based acrylic enamel with added hardener.

It was a joke, come on, some of you guys seem to be losing your sense of humor lately!



:laugh:

 

[Woodonglass]

Heck I was thinkin about fittin my house with a 300 hp ETEC Outboard!!!! Either that OR Paintin my house with IMRON!!!!:facepalm:

 

[Woodonglass]

Alright,.. water based paint out... I'll get something a little more durable. I might be able to scrounge up some automotive paint. Would I be able to test it without paint?

You really might want to check out the Rustoleum Pro Oil Based Acrylic enamel sold at Lowe's or Home Depot. It really is a good inexpensive paint to use for your boat. And if you add the hardener it is very durable. Paint Your Boat with Tractor Paint...Say What!!!

2 quarts or Primer and 2 quarts of Paint and you'll have a Nice new Paint Job!!!

 

[FirstTimeBoat]

Any other suggestions or different types of oil based enamal? I can't seem to find anywhere in canada that sells Rustoleum pro oil based, only latex based??

 

[Woodonglass]

I'd recommend you contact an Autobody shop and ask them where they get their paint. They should have a source for Acrylic Enamel Paint.

 

[zool]

Any other suggestions or different types of oil based enamal? I can't seem to find anywhere in canada that sells Rustoleum pro oil based, only latex based??

Rustoleum goes by the name Tremclad in Canada I believe..