Reglassing the deck on a whaler what to use???

S.T. Marine

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 13, 2002
Messages
248
I am currently working on reglassing the deck on a 1973 13 ft whaler. It has all ben ground down with a grinder to get all the paint off. All there is now is fiberglass below. The reason for reglassing the deck is because of some minor crack all over the floor. Floor does not felx to bad only in the front bairly. What i need to know is which type of mat to use on the floor. I want something strong and with a smooth finish. I dont think it needs more than one layer. I know the floors in this type of boat are bvery thin. If you have any links to the right cloth please let me know would like to start glassing asap.
 

wallbanger2

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2003
Messages
80
Re: Reglassing the deck on a whaler what to use???

If your getting flex in your flooring I would drill a few exploratory holes to make sure you aren't seeing the begining of the wood rotting. You are allready planning to reglass the deck so this isn't something that will cause you too much trouble and may end up saving you from having to do the repair twice.
 

ajyanka

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 10, 2002
Messages
43
Re: Reglassing the deck on a whaler what to use???

S.T.<br /><br />Check out this link:<br /><br /> http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/menus/cmtoc1.php <br /><br />They have about every type of glass imaginable. I would go with something like 1080 E-Glass Cloth if you don't need much structure. It will give you a nice smooth finish. <br /><br />My hint would be to use "Peel Ply" (see link above) I've used it while building racecar bodies and a friend won't do any glass work on his home built airplane with out it. You just laminate it on top of your wet glass as if it were glass itself. When the epoxy is cured you just peel the fabric off and you are left with a VERY smooth surface. On the race car body we were able to prime with out any sanding. You will be pleased.<br /><br />Good luck and post pics!<br /><br />AJY
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Reglassing the deck on a whaler what to use???

The only wood in a Boston Whaler hull is for anchoring screws that mount the interior. . . and, of course, in the transom.
 
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