slight perforation of the hull

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by pasty63, Aug 23, 2008.

  1. pasty63
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Location: Lake Stevens, WA

    pasty63 Junior Member

    While digging out some rotten bulkhead material, I stuffed the end of my sawzall blade through the bottom of the hull :p . The cut is about 3/4" long and 3/32" wide. I'm planning to fix it about the same as a blister - any pointers?

    Thanks - .b
     
  2. ondarvr
    Joined: Dec 2005
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    Location: Monroe WA

    ondarvr Senior Member

    It's not a big deal. It sounds like you'll be doing some glass work on the inside of the boat, so just cover it from the inside when doing that work.
    If you know how to repair a blister, then do it that way on the outside and it'll be repaired with no future issues.
     
  3. mongo75
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    Location: Orange County California

    mongo75 Senior Member

    Just grind a bevel on both side with at least a 1/4" opening along the cut line (to allow the epoxy to touch) and then just glass it closed. For the bottom, you can prefab the patch on some plastic wrap or wax paper and once soaked with epoxy just slap it on and tape it tight to the hull, or even wedge it up with a block to keep it from drooping.
     
  4. pasty63
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Location: Lake Stevens, WA

    pasty63 Junior Member

    slight hull perforation

    What makes this perforation more interesting than some:rolleyes: , is that it is less than 1/2" from the bottom of an engine stringer - and slightly to port. From the inside, its in a 4" by 1/2" slot created by rotting plywood that forms part of the engine room bulk head - and separates the engine stringers from the longitudinal 2x6's running forward. I can get to it from the top as long as I'm reaching with something > 4" long and < 1/2" wide - but I think effecting the patch from outside will be easier.

    Thanks for the input - this is a fun site.
     

  5. mongo75
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    Location: Orange County California

    mongo75 Senior Member

    As long as you use epoxy, you'll be fine. Just but a good bevel on the outside and it'll hold great, the inside would just be to kinda lock the patch in place.
     
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