Fiberglass 101

Hello,
First let me say that I am totaly impressed with this site and the amount of expertise available. That said, I have in the past couple months purchased 4 fiberglass runabouts in need of repair. I have the woodworking and mechanical skills needed, but am lacking in experience working with fiberglass.

I have at this moment 1296.5 questions regarding fiberglass types, uses, and bonding materials. Before I wear out my welcome with a lot of dumb questions, could any of you recommend some educational books or websites that will help me understand at least the basics.

Your time and thoughts are (and will be ) very much appreciated.

Mark

 

Fiberglass Boat Design and Construction by Robert J. Scott
Marine Composites by Eric Green
Composite Materials in Maritime Structures by Shenoi and Wellicome
Composites-Design Manual by J.A. Quinn
The Handbook of Sandwich Construction by D.Zenkert

These books are the ones most referenced in my library.

 

Thank you, I will check them out.

 

http://boatdesigns.com/prodinfo.asp?number=12-435

 

Penn yan swift fiberglass?

I have an old 50's era Penn Yan Swift that I would love to get in the water. The canvas layer on the hull is not in the best shape (still tight on the hull, but probably not watertight. I would love to fiberglass the bottom and have someone to help me with that, but my question is should the canvas stay or should I fiberglass the bare wood? Would fiberglassing the bottom even work on a boat this old? Any few words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

 

Penn Yan restoration

Thought I had the only swift here in the Pac NW . Anyway, I explored several options including recanvasing (materials available locally) or fiberglassing. I went with West Systems after removing canvas and sanding hull lightly. Replaced and beefed up transom. Came out beautifully and I run a speeditwin or Mark 25. You could probably use expertise and materials from Fiberlay, too...they are great folks to work with.

Cheers

Richard

 

regarding your Swift, -back here in the Eastern US (Penn Yan, NY area). Your boat is worth considerable money. I would suggest to re-canvas. fiberglass will ruin the value to the point of almost firewood. From a technical standpoint though, dont glass over the canvas.

 

Thanks.....we do have some great expertise in recanvasing here in Seattle. I sure love the boat!

 

fiberglast.com has some great dvds on all kinds of glassing and sell plenty of materal

 

fiberglast

Just sent away for the catalog...thanks for the tip

 

Fiberglass boatbuilding by GlenL.