Hull Damage - can fix?

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by tonydignity

look inside the hole to see if you can count the layup layers, if you can then it has delaminated and water will have got in between the layers.

Now that's the kind of information everyone could use at some point, thanks.

[westonmarine]

You Say Tear So Must Be Glass Relieve Tear By Grind N Cut Glass Inside 12 Inch Into Good Glass Then Outside In Laminations Overlapping Each Lam To At Least 12 Inch Into Good Solid No White Glass

[westonmarine]

Originally Posted by westonmarine

You Say Tear So Must Be Glass Relieve Tear By Grind N Cut Glass Inside 12 Inch Into Good Glass

Then Outside APPLY AT LEAST 8 OZ GLASS INSIDE THEN OUTSIDE IN LAMINATIONS AT LEAST 12 INCHES INTO GOOD GLASS REMEMBER LAM IS ONLY WAY GOOD LUCK YOU WILL BE ITCHING

[Tim B]

Hmmm,

The ultimate question is how big do you think the crack is (then go hunting for the real answer) Usually, you can get an idea of how good the layup is by shining a powerful (say 500W to 1000W) lamp through the layup. This will quite quickly show where there is any discontinuity as it will turn up as a black line. Once you know how much of it is a crack and how much must actually be cut away, then you can take a decision. The biggest problem in your repair will be getting the outside finish flush and neat.

There is a tendancy for people to suggest epoxy resin as the be-all and end-all of laminations. It is strong and light and it will stick to almost anything, but it is better to be inkeeping with the origenal layup.

The major problem is how to lay-up across a hole. It is useful to have a plate to lay up against, and this may be on the inside or outside depending on accessibility. For tight curves (and chines) Use thick cardboard on the inside pulled against the hull with string. For most other geometries it is easier to attach a plate to the outside. The plate can be made of whatever is convenient, but it must be able to un-stick from the resin. and, if it is on the outside it must be very, very smooth.

Good tools to use:
Drill and wire brush (variety of)
Old Chisel, hammer etc.
screwdriver
mini vacuum cleaner
eyes/mouth protection
damn big lamp
possibly Camera with exposure time
paint brushes
acetone (for cleaning)
pots to mix resin in
Hacksaw (perhaps) + Hacksaw blade (definitely)

Hope this helps, Feel free to e-mail me if you need more details,

Tim B.