Fibreglass over wood

[AJW]

Not strictly a classic boat question but this is probably the best place for it.

Whats the informed opinion on wooden hulls that have been glassed over at some point? Good thing if done well? Covers a multitude of sins and should have been left as wood?

Boat in question was built in 1972 and glassed in 1996 I think. Its actually a lobster fishing boat converted into a trip boat and is based in Canada. (long story.)

All opinions gratefully received.

AJ

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[snowleopard]

almost impossible to make a permanent bond to wood using standard fibreglass (i.e. with polyester resin). over a long period the bond fails and water can become trapped, accelerating decay.

if on the other hand epoxy was used, the bond may well still be as good as new.

if you're thinking of buying, a professional survey is a must.

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[milltech]

I have recently bought a DD mahogany lifeboat that was extensively dried out around 1993/4, the expoxied and then glassed. Ten years on and my survey says it's still adhering perfectly

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Peterduck]

This illustrates a very important point. Double diagonal construction is normally very stable, ie, not given to shrinking, swelling and other movement. Carvel construction is much more flexible, and should be approached with considerably more caution. Anything that can be done to minimise movement [eg,refastening] should be done. A better method for carvel hulls might be sheathing in diagonally-applied veneer. One could then epoxy-glass over the veneer if desired with a greater chance of success.
Peter.

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[BrendanS]

anyone with questions about glass over wood should talk to the powerboat trust guys. They've learnt the hard way

http://www.bmpt.org.uk/

<hr width=100% size=1>Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabris, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.

 

[trouville]

bad idea, even the west systems not ideal as wood simply has to much humidity. wood needs to breath or you will get rot, if its glassed from new its still a bad idea but if its been glassed later your asking for trouble

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[seagull]

I have seen several wooden boats that have been 'glassed' over. They have all suffered from rot beneath the glass layer (I am not talking about new-build epoxy coated boats here).

One boat I inspected was glass coated ply from new. The ply had rotted away at the transom and the bottom aft quarter ..... only the GRP was keeping the boat afloat. No wonder he had problems with shaft alignment!

If the boat is carvel and has been glassed ....... this may mean severe trouble both in the seams and the planking.

Get an experience surveyor to inspect it ..... or you could be getting your feet wet.



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