Ideal temp for building fiberglass boats

[unikguy199]

Hi Everyone

Is there an ideal temp environment for building fiberglass boats.

The ideal temperature has to do with the curing stage of gelcoat and resin, when in the mould.

Or it makes no difference.

Thank-you

[D'ARTOIS]

Temperature: 20-22 C More important environment in building shed - dry and completely free from any sort of draft.

[Skippy]

D'Artois, how bad is it to have some heat source and a connection with colder outside air? Moisture will precipitate out of the cold air, so the heated air should have less moisture than ambient air would have at the same temperature.

And on another topic, do you still want the fluffer, and can they send one to me?

[D'ARTOIS]

That is what should not occur - but keep it practical. Heat inside should not be generated by gas- or fuel operated systems, if you like - therefore I say, keep it practical. The question was: ideal temperature, I added just: keep the door closed next to the temperature.

[Skippy]

Okay D'Artois. Just a comment on the door, I would worry about the person doing the work in the fumes. And what I really meant is that the cold air is very dry in the first place, so it should be very good once it's heated.

[D'ARTOIS]

I have to add: I have only experience with our temperature and circumstances:
but some kind of ventilation should be provided for. I forgot I'am talking large scale processing. Therefore I didn't want to dig deep into the subject.

[unikguy199]

thank-you all for your inputs.

Am I to ssume that hulls built during winter months in cold climates are less well built then hulls built during the warmer months.

During cold months, plants must run heaters, and this is not good for the curing process of hulls?

Or is it the opposite, since during cold months, the air is dryer then during warmer months when there is more humidity in the area, and hence better.

[Skippy]

I'm in the US midwest, so I think in terms of humidity (90+%). In an arid climate like Arizona, I'm sure it's different.

[D'ARTOIS]

I don't think you should put it that way. Fiberglass construction requires a minimum temperature together with a reasonable building environment. Humidity and draft do not belong to the ideal parameters to increase the quality of building. If you are an amateur, wait till outside temperatures allows you to build without too many chances of a sudden condensation when outside temperature quickly drops off.
Try to get yourself acquainted with the ins- and outs of how to organise you shed without trying to achieve laboratory conditions.

[Skippy]

Okay,
Glen-L recommends 21-29*C (70-85*F) for their epoxy, and warns "Do NOT work in high humidity conditions".
Aqua Creations suggests 24-29*C (75-85*F) for polyester or vinyl ester.
So it sounds like the ideal temp is closer to 25-27*C and at that temp in a tropical climate, humidity seems worth worrying about. Maybe at 20-22*C in dry weather, it's not so bad.

[D'ARTOIS]

I agree with Glen L - that is a reasonable general temperature, I totally disagree with aqua - that is a bit too on the high side regarding to temperatures - you will certainly become aware of that whilst you are laminating. Here in Holland most fiberglass laminating takes place at around 22-23 C in order to remain at a reasonable pot-life.

[Corpus Skipper]

We regularly laminate in 90+ degrees (30ish C) and 60% or more humidity with good results using poly and vinylester resins, and I have also laminated in epoxy in the same conditions. You just adjust your catalyst to suit, and in the case of epoxy, get slow hardner. You just gotta move it! No time to dawdle.

[PowerTech]

There is no good day for grinding.

[unikguy199]

thank-you all for all the valuable inputs.

All your thoughts are very informative.