Bulk head tabbing

[bumblefish]

I am having to repair some of the loose tabbing on my wooden bulkhead. I have stripped the old stuff off and cleaned it all up. I want to have a slight soft curve between the hull and the bulkhead, any suggestions as to what I can put in the gap to produce this? Also I am aware that GRP/wood bonds of this nature can be prone to poor adhesion so how do I improve the 'grip' of the new GRP to the wood?

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

I am not an expert by any means, but there is certain types of foams for this purpose which you could wedge into the gap, but cut it about a 1/2" wider than the thickness of the bulkhead so when you fit it you can have a1/4" bead each side of bulk head to give you a curve on the tabs when fitting them.
I would suggest using epoxy resins and cloth as opposed to polyester as it makes for rar stronger bonding to both hull and bulk head.
All working areas must be very clean, ie, no old resin grease, oils etc, and be very dry.
You will need to sand down with 40- 60 # paper to get a roughened surface, and wash with acetone before tabbing, but give acetone an hour to flash off before starting to tab.
And if using Wests system or any epoxy system, DONT make the mistake I made last week , Mix your epoxy at 5 resin to 1 hardner, as this is very critical.
The best person to give advice is Oldsaltoz.
BTW start with small strips and work out and up with bigger strip each time, so every strip is overlaping previous one by an inch or so.
Good luck And use a solvent vapour filter in your mask when cleaning with acetone.

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Bumblefish,

I would agree with Earmonn, an epoxy will 'stick' to the timber bulk head, but not essential; after you have applied the glass, let it cure and give it a light sand.
Apply a mixture of resin and Micro-balloons or spheres, I only use 'closed cell' balloons to help keep the moisture out.

To get a nice even curve use a large dowel (Broom handle or fish paste jar) and remove the excess with a sharp and flat scraper.

Andavagoodweekend......