Fiberglass Hull Protection

[swkass]

I just repaired the bottom of a fiberglass boat for the 2nd time. It had several areas that were roughly 3/4" x 10" and smaller of gel-coat missing from impact scraps. This boat is a deep-v jet boat and the area damaged was the very bottom that is parallel to the water. This area is about 10" wide and run about 8ft. Square in the stern and coming to a point at the bow. Again, entirely parallel with the water.
Here's my question. Why can't I epoxy an 1/8" aluminum plate to this area to protect it. I searched around and didn't find this being ever done with fiberglass hulls. Why not?
Thanks for your time.

 

[jorgepease]

SJX Jet Boat UHMW Bottom - SJX Boats https://sjxboats.com/sjx-jet-boat-uhmw-bottom/
something like this mabe ...

 

[Mr Efficiency]

Why can't I epoxy an 1/8" aluminum plate to this area to protect it. I searched around and didn't find this being ever done with fiberglass hulls. Why not?
Thanks for your time.

Aluminium forms an oxide layer very rapidly when exposed to air, and whilst this layer seems to be good for paint adhesion, not so good for forming a strong mechanical glue bond. Maybe you could glue on a GRP strip that covers the area, and is "sacrificed", instead of the actual hull. It could be engineered to emphasise abrasion resistance qualities, as regards the materials used, and epoxied on. The UHMW strip idea might be more applicable to alloy boats, applying it to a GRP boat would be a challenge.

 

[JSL]

The 'plastic' makes more sense than aluminum. Years ago some of the local FRP beachcomber boats (25' to 35') solved the 'wear' problem with 1/8" to 1/4" thick high density rubber sheet.
This is fine for scuffing but if there is damage, you should probably investigate the hull itself.... a hard scuff could be serious.

 

[IronPrice]

In NZ people use epoxy carborundum paste

Norski | NZ Manufacturers of Chemical & Fibreglass Craft Products | Others http://www.norski.co.nz/others.php