Tree Stump Hull Damage Repair : 0

[OperativeK]

http://opk.gotdns.org/hulldamage/photos/photo2.html

Well this last weekend wasn't too great but we still had some fun. Glad it didn't rip the hull wide open. The tree stump apparently pushed on the hull almost at the front of our 23ft IMP and ended up crushing the hull in the rear area. Once I got to examine the damage I found that the hull had something other than fiber matt layed inside the layers. Looks like a small void of foam. I have already began the repair process and I can't afford having this professionally done so here is how Im doing it.

I have drilled small holes the length of the damage and put toothpics through so I can see from the topside. I have drilled quarter inch holes in the top into the void that was created by the crushed foam. I am going to inject glass into the void. I have blocks with wax paper on the bottom to keep it from oozing out but hopefully enough to allow it to seep through the cracks lightly enough so that it will be nice and smooth after sanding.

After I am satified with enough glass into the void I will lay matt and glass over the top area to reinforce it.

My question is this, do you fellas think this is ok for a jimmy repair job? Is there something you might do to increase the strength of the repair other than what I have mentioned? Thanks -Mike

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tree Stump Hull Damage Repair : 0

is the a make shift engine mount stringer in the picture. sure looks like a bad place for a jimmy job. afraid of engine vibration.

 

[OperativeK]

Re: Tree Stump Hull Damage Repair : 0

The glass part of the stringer is original, both sides of each of the new motor mounts. Im not sure of all the details but it was done at a local marina/marine dealers shop. Those 2x4 are angled(at the bottom) and the glass attaches on both sides. Prior I believe the mounts were not solid and it had caused them to break down the fiberglass. Probably due to vibration. I tend to believe what is there now is ten times better than what it had previously but yes there still is the concern of the vibration of the motor and the vicinity of the damage to the hull.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Tree Stump Hull Damage Repair : 0

I think you would be better served if you tried to get down to the glass so you can do a good layup of new glass from both sides. Being that the engine is mounted right there, you want this repair to be as strng as possible. Resin alone provides little strength, my concern would be if you inject resin into this void you describe, it will just break loose. It is the fibers that provide the strength in fiberglass.

Is there any way you can cut through this void and foam you describe and get down to the hull shell? If you can, you will want to use epoxy and heavy cloth in several layers to repair. On the outside of the hull, you will want to grind the damage area so it creates a dished area where the deepest part of the dish is at the fracture point, and tapers outward for 2-3 inches all the way around. Then you lay in layers of cloth starting with small strips and make each strip wider, so it fills in the dished area you created.

The goal is to build it up so it is flush with the rest of the hull and not a lump of material sticking out. If you are not going to care about cosmetics, use epoxy inside and out. If you are going to try to restore the gelcoat on the outside, you have to use polyester resin for the repair, the gel will not adhere properly to an epoxy repair. Good luck...

 

[OperativeK]

Re: Tree Stump Hull Damage Repair : 0

Would it be better to use an epoxy? Have done some checking on the different types of bonding resins. I have some Evercoat "fiberglass" resin which I was going to use on my other boat and was thinking of using this but I have also found out that "fiberglass resins" is also known as the polyester resin and is the cheapest and probably worst selection for what I am doing. The Epoxy resin has much better quality in both strength and shrinkage etc. So Ill be going by West Marine to get some epoxy resin to use for the cracking and void fill.

This is what I am probably going to use:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...344/0/0/epoxy/All_2/mode matchallpartial/15/0

Sarg I am going to want to put some gel coat or paint the hull just to be able to see later if any cracking is occuring. Im guessing I will get the void and crack sealed with the epoxy and then heavy sand the outside and use the polyester resin then bondo. Hopefully I can have a descent looking job when completed.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Tree Stump Hull Damage Repair : 0

This is from Marine-Tex?

How to apply gelcoat over epoxies (Marine Tex):
-Applying polyester resin (like gelcoat) over epoxy is very tricky and
must be done extremely carefully. The smaller the repair, the easier
it is to coat epoxy with gelcoat. The larger the area, the polyester will be more difficult to work with and more likely to malfunction (not cure).
-Mix and apply the epoxy to the surface to be repaired. Be sure to use the correct proportions and keep the application at a minimum of 70?F.
-Let the epoxy cure for a minimum of 48 hours. Leave more time for curing if temperatures are between 68? - 60?F. (At least 72 - 96 hours.)
This time for curing allows the amine blush (a waxy surfactant) to come to the surface.
-Clean the surface with a quick wipe of solvent. (please wash with warm,soapy water)
-Check to see if the blush is completely removed.
-Lightly sand with 120 grit sandpaper, clean again.
-You will now be ready to apply the gelcoat.

HTH

 

[OperativeK]

Re: Tree Stump Hull Damage Repair : 0

Want to give a update on progress. I have filled the inner void with epoxy from WestMarine and it is solid as a rock again.

Now I have started the bottom work. I grinded away all the loose gelcoat and fiberglass. Then I used the westmarine epoxy and several sheets of fiber matt cut like the shape of the center high impact spot where it took the brunt of the hit. I soaked the matt then I used some cardboard and wood covered with wax paper to hold it secure on the bottom with some pressure. It is looking good so far. Will start sanding and do the long strip of fiber clothe with epoxy in the same manner and then use the same wax paper and wood method to hold it in place.

Above is the image of the circular matt with epoxy in place.