Fiberglass boats are known for their durability. They require less maintenance compared to wooden boats. However, they are not completely free of problems. They also suffer from normal damage due to age-related problems, such as exhaustion and moisture, as well as damage caused by the forces of nature. Repair and refurbishment can help increase the durability and efficiency of fiberglass boats.
How to repair various problems in fiberglass boats:
- Hydrolysis and gel coating bubbles:
Hydrolysis is a growing problem in fiberglass boat. Laminated polyester resin in a fiberglass boat has water-soluble materials, and they are mixed with moisture to create an acidic liquid. This fluid creates cavities under the gel coat layer, forming bubbles. Clay bubble is the main symptom of hydrolysis. The fluid also affects the polyester resin. Then the hydrolysis begins to affect the polyester body and reduces its strength. Before starting repair work, you need to carefully assess the condition of the boat so that you can understand how badly the hydrolysis has damaged the boat.
You can fix this problem by using excellent repair material that is able to bind polyester resin, fiberglass and other materials. Epoxy adhesives are great at repairing hydrolysis bubbles and gel coating in a fiberglass boat. Some people prefer to use polyester resin, but it can shrink, creating stress concentrations in the repair joints. Epoxy is durable than polyester, so repairing it can be useful to provide a stronger structure. It can also prevent the penetration of moisture from the laminate.
- Minor cracks and holes:
Cracks and holes are common problems in fiberglass boats. You can use epoxy to fill these holes and cracks. It is important to first assess the cracks, scratches and holes in the boat. Most cracks appear gradually and become worse overtime. Cracks are more common in areas of laminate and near bulkheads, windows and debt to the cab curve. It is advisable to study the structure of cracks and determine the cause. If cracks are caused by a blow, it is important to examine the inside of the panel to check if they pass through the entire laminate.
Then you need to remove contaminants such as oil, press release and wax from the surface. You can use wax and silicone remover to completely wipe off the damaged area. Before the solvent evaporates, you need to dry the area with clean paper towels. Then open the crack with a V-shaped tool. Opening a crack will help you grind the entire area of deep cracks and determine the exact depth of the crack.
You can fix minor cracks in the first thread of matte layers of laminate with epoxy. First you need to moisten the cracks with a mixture of resin or hardener. Then fill the cracks with a thick epoxy mixture. Remove any excess epoxy before it begins to cure. Then let the mixture cure. After a thorough healing, sand the area to get a smooth finish. You can use sandpaper to remove any bumps. Then finish the area with a gel coat. If the repair area is large, you can use linear polyurethane paint to finish the area, as it provides an extremely durable finish. After completion of the repair, you need to wash the entire surface of the paint with a solvent recommended by the paint manufacturer.
- Damage to strings and floor:
Stringer and damage to the floor is another common problem encountered in fiberglass boats. Before starting any repairs, fully check for any damage to the stringer. The lines of the hull, the soles in the cockpit, the areas under the water tank and the engine are some of the common areas where serious damage can occur. More often, damage to the stringer is accompanied by a single detachment, so you also need to fix it.
If fiberglass skin exfoliates, damage may be caused by deterioration. You can find out the suspicious area of the stringer with a small hammer. If the core is not firmly attached to the fiberglass, the hammer will give a dull sound. If the wear area is small, you just need to dry the stringer and apply epoxy in this area. If the damage is intense, you need to apply one or two layers of glass fiber tape or fabric over the stringer. This helps to restore rigidity in this area.
If the stringer is completely damaged, it must be replaced. You need to remove the stringer and the core. It is not recommended to cut the laminate case. Then you need to moisten all surfaces of the casing and core with epoxy and press the stringer into place, applying firm hand pressure. You can apply even more epoxy to the joint and give it a full cure.
