Gixer
Well-Known Member
Eight I think
Filling a large hole in GRP
- Thread starter Gixer
- Start date
[176172]
...
Agree using a ply plug the same thickness as the bulkhead. For strength chamfer all edges front and rear. I would make the plug about 1/4" smaller all round. Hold in place with a couple of wedges when aligned. i would start from the back lay up some glass at the four corners and let it go hard. Remove the wedges, continue laying glass around the gaps let harden. From the front fill with epoxy mixed with some fibreglass wool so it doest run (I am assuming the hole is verticle) continue until flush, giving a very strong if not stronger repair than the bulkhead.
Gixer
Well-Known Member
Thanks Freedom35,
I'd really like to make a GRP plug but after my test I don't think I can make it thick enough. I might go back to the ply but use the plug I've made as the front panel to cover the repair and keep in neat.
Never seen fiberglass wool, i'll try and get some.
What about this stuff?
West System 402 Milled Glass Fibre Blend Filler 150g
I'd really like to make a GRP plug but after my test I don't think I can make it thick enough. I might go back to the ply but use the plug I've made as the front panel to cover the repair and keep in neat.
Never seen fiberglass wool, i'll try and get some.
What about this stuff?
West System 402 Milled Glass Fibre Blend Filler 150g
Last edited:
[176172]
...
Looks very similar. I usually buy my FG from a company in Ireland, they do both the epoxy and the polyester. The name escapes me but they are a very good one stop shop. I made a black tank from marine ply to fit under a bunk directly under a hatch to allow a pump out pipe to connect to it. It was an odd shape as you may imagine, all the insides were several layers of epoxy, all the corners and joins had a 2" radius in epoxy, for which I used the filler so no 'slump' occurred during hardening. The radius guaranteed the tank contents could all be emptied with just one flush of water. This was advice form our resident Australian FG expert of 40 years. I think this is the company, but there are many more local I am sure. Home
eilerts
Well-Known Member
At this point, don't bother about the thickness. Most of this plugg is waste when you cut the hole for the new instrument. I suggest that you grind or sand a bevel to the inside periphery of the hole, or at least sand it for good adherence. Fit the plug. Find a suitable piece of wood than spans the hole and glue this to the front side of the plug and the side of the hole, with a minimum amount of melt glue. You need to secure the plug at the right position and level. Then glass the plug to the bulkhead with as many tabbing layers you like, from the backside. After curing, remove the wood and traces of melt glue. Fair and paint.
Gixer
Well-Known Member
Sorry to bump this old thread but I thought I'd share the final result. I made the epoxy plug the same thickness as the hull and then glassed it in from the back, This is covered by a wooden trim inside. Outside I decided to use a piece of Teak.
I'm really happy with it, remember this is my first proper attempt at something like this.
Still plenty of work to do but enjoyed the challenge, thanks guys!
I'm really happy with it, remember this is my first proper attempt at something like this.
Still plenty of work to do but enjoyed the challenge, thanks guys!
Refueler
Well-Known Member
Just a note : Make sure the Teak is well impregnated with preservative .... teak does not like freshwater such as rain .... but is better in saltwater.
Rappey
Well-Known Member
I'm sure many would have just covered the hole with that piece of teak but you have gone above and beyond and done a great job ?
Gixer
Well-Known Member
Brintons Patio Magic? seems to come recommended on here.
Rappey - I agree its a bit OTT but I really wanted to see if I could do it. If I screwed it up I could always hide it...
Rappey
Well-Known Member
Or just look at the effort made, and no one will see it ?