Epoxy work between tides?

[Seasick Ian]

I want to fill two bolt holes in the bottom of my skeg, as I'm fitting a new rudder bracket which has holes in different places. The bolt holes go completely through horizontally, and the bottom of the skeg is (AFAIK) solid polyester GRP. The boat is in the water and I don't want to crane out just for this, so I want to fill these holes and drill out the new ones between the tides. I would like to use some thickened west systems epoxy with fast hardener, as I already have some, but it won't fully cure in time. I spoke to a guy in the local fibreglass shop and he said that a waterproof skin would form before the tide comes back in, but I'm skeptical.

It's not particularly structural, so I could perhaps use something else. I understand g-flex is good for this, but its expensive. I plan on sealing the new bolts with CT-1 as it's supposed to cure underwater (the original bolts weren't sealed at all.). I wonder if I could seal over the top of un-cured epoxy to keep the water out? Maybe there's a type of putty that's good for this? Any suggestions?

 

[Poignard]

If you warm the epoxy it will set much sooner

 

[VicS]

I want to fill two bolt holes in the bottom of my skeg, as I'm fitting a new rudder bracket which has holes in different places. The bolt holes go completely through horizontally, and the bottom of the skeg is (AFAIK) solid polyester GRP. The boat is in the water and I don't want to crane out just for this, so I want to fill these holes and drill out the new ones between the tides. I would like to use some thickened west systems epoxy with fast hardener, as I already have some, but it won't fully cure in time. I spoke to a guy in the local fibreglass shop and he said that a waterproof skin would form before the tide comes back in, but I'm skeptical.

It's not particularly structural, so I could perhaps use something else. I understand g-flex is good for this, but its expensive. I plan on sealing the new bolts with CT-1 as it's supposed to cure underwater (the original bolts weren't sealed at all.). I wonder if I could seal over the top of un-cured epoxy to keep the water out? Maybe there's a type of putty that's good for this? Any suggestions?

An underwater epoxy putty. Mine is made by Uhu but I've not used it so cannot comment further .. just something I thought would be useful to have.

Force4, I notice, sell the Everbuild underwater epoxy putty
http://www.force4.co.uk/force-4-epo...r-adhesive.html?sqr=epoxy putty&#.WXA4yojyuHs

You will probably find it cheaper elsewhere eg at Toolstation.

 

[William_H]

It will probably be OK to allow final curing of epoxy under water. However other options might be to use polyester resin with lots of hardener for a quick cure. Make just a small amount and double usual amount of hardener a sit will go off quickly in the pot. Likewise the polyester resin type body fillers where a small amount of hardener MEKP is used. If you countersink the outside of the through holes you will get a "head" of resin on each side so no chance of it falling out. olewill

 

[benchmark]

Use TEC 7 it can cure under water.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tec-7-Sea...Seal-Mount-Bond-Various-Colours-/260975866582

 

[RichardS]

I've used Milliput epoxy putty whilst underwater wearing a snorkle and on a car exterior in the pouring rain. It doesn't seem to affect its bonding or setting abilites in the slightest. Plus it's very easy to smooth out when wet so virtually no sanding is required once it's set if a flush finish is important.

Richard

 

[vyv_cox]

I've used Milliput epoxy putty whilst underwater wearing a snorkle and on a car exterior in the pouring rain. It doesn't seem to affect its bonding or setting abilites in the slightest. Plus it's very easy to smooth out when wet so virtually no sanding is required once it's set if a flush finish is important.

Richard

I was about to suggest Milliput but Richard beat me to it. Brilliant stuff, I always carry a tube or two. Sets underwater, hundreds of uses and pretty cheap. Bought on-line at model suppliers I last paid just over £2 for a box.