Fiberglass Hull Repair (Rookie!)

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by johnmedic, Sep 15, 2011.

  1. johnmedic
    Joined: Sep 2011
    Posts: 4
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    Location: Eastern Washington

    johnmedic New Member

    Hello! Just bought a '97 Reinell 185, & on my second day out I got a puncture in the hull.. :| it's pretty significant at about 7" length, the boat wasn't taking on a noticeable amount of water but it's definitely punctured through. (No structural damage evident or suspected). The labor cost for fiberglass repair is (as you all know) fairly high, I'm just looking for any opinions out there about how big of a fool I would be to patch it myself. I have time, I'm bright & patient, but I want to know if this sizeable repair might be something I can do right my first time around. I'm reading up on options, not going to Bondo it but I've seen the Duraglass option, is that sound enough to be used on the external body below the waterlinej, any advice will be hugely appreciated!

    Uploading photos..

    Tl;dr.
    Punctured hull, 7" length, no fiberglass experience..
    Pay the pro's or can I do it myself with the right research & patience?
    Thank You!
     
  2. johnmedic
    Joined: Sep 2011
    Posts: 4
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    Location: Eastern Washington

    johnmedic New Member

    Photos of the Damage

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  3. keysdisease
    Joined: Mar 2006
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    Location: South Florida USA

    keysdisease Senior Member

    Do you have access on the inside to the damaged area?
     
  4. johnmedic
    Joined: Sep 2011
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    Location: Eastern Washington

    johnmedic New Member

    No, I do not. Got a quote for appx $700-800.
     
  5. m3mm0s rib
    Joined: Aug 2011
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    Location: GREECE

    m3mm0s rib Senior Member

    of the photographs appears that damage is not great. Can you fix it yourself. rub well point to 100 grit and put 2 layers of mat 600. completely dry after you cross the damage a hand gels coach. on this point put a slide and press.after 12 hours take it off.you will be surprised
     

  6. johnmedic
    Joined: Sep 2011
    Posts: 4
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    Location: Eastern Washington

    johnmedic New Member

    Thanks for the response!
    If I understand you right, you're saying that after prepping just two layers of mat 600 would be enough? Anyone else agree?
     
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