epoxy work on recently-lifted rudder

[laika]

Last time I had a lift and scrub I noticed a small chunk (maybe ~8cm diameter and <4cm deep?) out of the rudder, almost certainly from a blister some boatwrights filled a couple of years ago which clearly didn't stick. I'm hauling out next week for a maximum of 2 weeks (shorter if possible as I have limited time for out-of-water tasks (including antifouling and replacing the stern gland mentioned in an earlier thread) and sailing before starting a new job later in August).

Are there any major issues with using epoxy on a recently lifted (ie 1 week or less) rudder and if so should I be standing there with a heat gun before starting? I realise the core won't dry out in the time I have but this is really a "tide me over til next year" repair. I'm aware that you can use epoxy under water but just had a last minute worry that google doesn't seem to provide an answer to.

 

[Laminar Flow]

Last time I had a lift and scrub I noticed a small chunk (maybe ~8cm diameter and <4cm deep?) out of the rudder, almost certainly from a blister some boatwrights filled a couple of years ago which clearly didn't stick. I'm hauling out next week for a maximum of 2 weeks (shorter if possible as I have limited time for out-of-water tasks (including antifouling and replacing the stern gland mentioned in an earlier thread) and sailing before starting a new job later in August).

Are there any major issues with using epoxy on a recently lifted (ie 1 week or less) rudder and if so should I be standing there with a heat gun before starting? I realise the core won't dry out in the time I have but this is really a "tide me over til next year" repair. I'm aware that you can use epoxy under water but just had a last minute worry that google doesn't seem to provide an answer to.

Presumably, if you do not have any water seeping out of the rudder and with a quick cleanup using a grinder around the damaged area to key in the patch, I see no reason why it wouldn't stick. Subsequent filling, if necessary, can be done within 72 hours without sanding as up to that time you will get a chemical bond with the previous layer. Add a bit of glass fibre for structural strength.
Best of Luck.

 

[Hacker]

Contact the guys at Wessex Resins, I’m sure that they could give you a definitive answer.