Fiberglass Boat Repair: Learn the Basics
Fiberglass boats are vulnerable to certain sorts of damage. Fiberglass hulls can dent, crack and splinter in a collision with rocky shores, underwater obstacles, even a wooden dock. With age, fiberglass halls will form small cracks that can let moisture into the boat, even without a collision. Another common complaint is the blisters that can appear in the fiberglass; although these do not affect the seaworthiness of a boat, they are unsightly, and many owners find them distressing.
Most fiberglass boat repair involves using an epoxy or polyester resin to repair and seal cracks, and reconstructing larger areas of damage with fiberglass cloth or foam. The repaired area is then repainted and/or covered with several coats of polyurethane. The basic process consists of the following steps.
The damaged area must be sanded, beginning with coarser sandpaper, and finishing with a fine grain. Always wear a respirator when working with any form of fiberglass; the fine strands of glass can cause serious and permanent lung damage if inhaled.
Next, the damage is overlaid with fiberglass cloth or foam, if more than small cracks are involved. Cloth is good for larger cracks or holes. Foam will be needed to rebuild an area if the hull must be shaped or is severely dented.
The epoxy or resin used in fiberglass boat repair functions as an adhesive and sealant. Both are messy, but in addition, resin has strong fumes, is more difficult to work with, and does not adhere as well to non-fiberglass surfaces. It is, however, much less expensive.
After the epoxy has set, the repair must be sanded smooth and painted with a marine paint. Polyurethane may also be used on the hull when making a fiberglass boat repair. Several coats of either will be needed; follow the specific product instructions for drying time and treatment between coats.
