bonding fiberglass panels

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by nordvindcrew, Apr 1, 2010.

  1. nordvindcrew
    Joined: Sep 2006
    Posts: 541
    Likes: 13, Points: 18, Legacy Rep: 231
    Location: Marshfield massachusetts usa

    nordvindcrew Senior Member

    I'm rebuilding a fiberglass boat that I built about three years ago. It is hand laid with 10 oz. cloth, 12 oz. mat then 10 oz.cloth. I've laidup a new bottom panel and new bilge panels and am trimming them to shape for final assembly. what would you recommend as a good way to join them? I'm thinking of using 10 oz. cloth in strips 2",3" and 4" wide bonded with epoxy. would bonding with a combination of mat and cloth and polyester resin work well? When I put the boat together withpolyester resin, there was a bit of delamination going on so I'm a bit worried about structural weakness being built in to the boat. The boat is a 20' double rowing boat with a 52" beam and weighs around 180 pounds. thanks Nordvindcrew
     
  2. thedutchtouch
    Joined: Feb 2010
    Posts: 91
    Likes: 2, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 39
    Location: baltimore. MD

    thedutchtouch Junior Member

  3. Guest625101138

    Guest625101138 Previous Member

    Given the panel weight you have I suggest you go for something like the 435gsm double bias tape shown on this link:
    http://boatcraft.com.au/Shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=40_43
    Run a layer inside and outside. The 75mm will should be wide enough.

    This tape is much better for joining than ordinary 2-axis woven.

    If the chine is severe then you might want to use some filler on the inside to give it a small fillet rather than having the tape making a sharp corner. Similarly, on the outside, smooth down the panels being joined to get a small radius.
     
  4. nordvindcrew
    Joined: Sep 2006
    Posts: 541
    Likes: 13, Points: 18, Legacy Rep: 231
    Location: Marshfield massachusetts usa

    nordvindcrew Senior Member

    epoxy?

    I'd like to re state my question. To bond the material, is epoxy so superior as to justify its use, or will polyester work well enough if done properly. I'm planning to start with one layer of cloth on the outside of the chines to get the boat tied together then turn it right side up to fillet the insides of the chines and bond them with 5 layers of cloth and mat. Turn the boat upside down again to radius the outside of the chines and finish with one layer of mat and cloth.
     

  5. Guest625101138

    Guest625101138 Previous Member

    I would stick with the existing polyester. I do not know how compatible the different materials are. Make certain the old surface are cleaned and fresh to get a good bond.
     
Loading...
Similar Threads
  1. DougM
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    13,895
  2. BernieJ
    Replies:
    13
    Views:
    1,279
  3. Florida Boat Guy
    Replies:
    15
    Views:
    2,093
  4. aaronhl
    Replies:
    6
    Views:
    2,007
  5. fallguy
    Replies:
    12
    Views:
    1,609
  6. fallguy
    Replies:
    2
    Views:
    1,047
  7. Bullshipper
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    3,542
  8. luders27
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    1,787
  9. pescaloco
    Replies:
    6
    Views:
    6,195
  10. reelpleasure
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    5,489
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.