Minor Fiberglass repair advice needed

[PlayDoh]

I got a 14' fiberglass boat, its mid 1960's but in good condition. However there is a crack in the floor just in front of the gas tank. I think someone towed it with a full tank or somthing similar.

I plan on just patching up the crack with some fiberglass from the local hardware store. I've seen someone repair a rocker panel on a truck with fiberglass but thats it. Soak the fiber in epoxy/glue and lay it on the area.

I'm just wondering if theres something or tricks to the job that someone who's done it b4 can give. I've thought about putting something on the floor and fiberglassing over it, say good plywood or light steel. However the immediate need is to stop any water from getting in the space between the floor and the hull.

THanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

 

[b00tstrap]

Re: Minor Fiberglass repair advice needed

Search/Browse within the "Boat Restoration and Building Forum"

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Minor Fiberglass repair advice needed

No, dont' put something over the crack and fiberglass over it, the fiber glass alone is more than enough to seal it all, I always sand down the area properly where I wanto fiberglass, so the resin will sit properly, making sure there is no dust where I just sanded it down, then wearing gloves (otherwise you never get the stuff off your hands) with a sponge apply resin only (lots of it) on the area, then applying the fiberglass cloth to the area, and using alot of resin on the sponge and applying it over the cloth until it is completely clear and smooth, then leave for 24 hours to dry, sand lightly to make smooth and paint over it ... quick job ..... but messy .. good luck

 

[PlayDoh]

Re: Minor Fiberglass repair advice needed

Thanks a lot guys. The floor weak around the crack, and There is a plug for the area inbetween the floor and hull. There was some nasty brown lookin water that came out when I drained it. I've only used the boat once.

So I think I'll just patch it up for the time being, since the weak spot is under the rear bench, and its pretty easy to avoid steping on it. (Knock on wood).

I read quite a bit on floor repair and restoration, but I'm sure I'll need to do a lot more. My boat is only a 12' mid 1960's, and I'm not sure if it would have the same structure as the projects I've seen.

Thanks again, take care

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Minor Fiberglass repair advice needed

look in the boat restoration and building forum. Search through the fiberglass repair threads. The nasty brown water and weak floor around the hole are indications of wood rot. You may be in for some repair, but with basic skills, it is not out of your reach.

Good luck, and post pictures.