Filling holes in grp superstructure

[Davidkinton]

I've just bought a Buckingham 25 and I am replacing the windows with rubber seals and plexiglass. The problem is the old windows were just screwed straight through the grp cabin and when I remove them, they will leave lots of small screw holes. Can anybody advise what would be the best product to fill these. Plastic padding make marine filler which I am considering using, but there is also gel coat filler and marine epoxy. Which is best for the job?

 

[VicS]

Recently discussed. Within last couple of weeks or so. A search should find it. Try an advanced Google search of ybw.com perhaps.

Here it is http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?445739-Araldite-Fusion-to-fill-transom-screw-holes

Rather like the sound of "Milliput"

 

[Fantasie 19]

Rather like the sound of "Milliput"

+1

 

[prv]

I'd always rather looked down on Plastic Padding, I think based on seeing their kits in Halfords for bodging bodywork repairs on old bangers. So I assumed it was cheap crap for people who didn't know what they were doing.

My dad bought a tube of their gelcoat filler and left it on the boat. One day last winter I decided it was about time I filled a load of old screw holes around the cockpit, but I didn't have my fibreglassing box with me. I pulled out this little Plastic Padding kit from the back of a locker and thought I might as well give it a go, how bad could it be?

Actually I was quite impressed, and forced to revise my opinion of Plastic Padding, at least some of their products. It was very easy to work with, and quickly made a series of repairs that are still well-nigh invisible a year later. I would use it again for similar small filling jobs.

Pete

 

[Fantasie 19]

...also +1...

Milliput next time though 'cos you can smooth it with water..

 

[mawm]

What about UV degradation of the epoxy/Milliput?

 

[Fantasie 19]

What about UV degradation of the epoxy/Milliput?

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?431217-Chips-scratches-and-cracks-in-gel-coat

Don't know fr sure,but this chap's in the Med and hasn't found it to be an issue... at £4 a tube I'd just mix up a little more and bung it in if it became an issue..

 

[Binman]

I used gel coat filler, I had same problem when I changed the Windows on my Pandora700 last season, I too used rubber seals from seals direct perfect. The holes are through the thinness part of the grp at that point, some ended up completely covered by the rubber seal in my case, they need filling before fitting seals, the gel coat when applied does go very hard, so care not to use more than you need, if you have a Dremal or similar I suggest flattening the edge of the holes first, then applying gel coat,again flatten the filler, I painted the window rebate afterwards with top lac, finally fitting the seals,which you will need plenty of soapy water, I used tape to hold the seal in place and short lengths of thin sticks trapping the seal, top and bottom as I worked my way round the opening, fit the Perspex,Then fit the seal that locks it all togeather. Don't forget to cut the seal 25mm longer than the opening, as recommended by seals direct. Best of luck, not as easy job.

 

[PCUK]

Countersink all the holes before filling to give a good finish. If painting use epoxy filler. If not the gel coat filler.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I've always used Gelcoat filler for this kind of repair and have been pleased with the result but colour matching is difficult and its never invisible.

 

[Davidkinton]

Thanks for all the advice. Think I'm going to counter sink holes to aid adhesion and try gel coat filler. Might have a go at fitting a window over the hols if the weather holds up.