GRP Hull Repair Kit

[discovery2]

Having recently purchased a GRP hull (my previous boat was a 50 year old wood hull), I would be grateful for any advice/comments/suggestions as to what materials to keep on board to effect emergency repairs - especially with regard to what the 'RNLI Sea Check' might deem suitable.

Thanks in advance
David

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[snowleopard]

depends what you mean by emergency. you can't repair grp while there is any water about. a small hole could be stopped by using underwater filler, otherwise you'll need to haul out and get everything thoroughly dry.

a useful kit for patching would include:

polyester resin (say 2 litres)
MEKP catalyst to suit
glass: chopped strand mat (2 sq m)
cheap 2inch brushes
disposable gloves
acetone for brushwash
measure for catalyst (used at 2% by volume)

i suggest you contact Glaspiles of southport (01704 540626) who will send you a catalogue and very useful information leaflet.

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[tcm]

underwater emergencyrepair kit

There IS such a thing as an underwater repair kit. You bodge it on, possibly by swimming outside and slaping it over the hole. It sells at boat shows, and of course an incorrigible chndlery-addict such as me bought one. I am secretly, only slightly, yet desperately hoping to smash into something, sometime and use it!

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

acetone should also be used to 'soften' grp around area you are about to place new mat, it is not just for brush cleaning.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day David,

Epoxy resin will give you a stronger bond, the standard (wax) polyester resins only provide a mechanical bond, epoxy will give you a mechanical and chemical bond.

Don't use chopped strand with epoxy resins, it has too many voids, this will result in a weaker lay-up: use only cloth designed for use with epoxy, much easier too.

Purchase a one litre pack and matting/cloth/rovings, from a distributor rather than a supplier, much cheaper and fresher, also pick up some micro balloons and microfibres, balloons to fill and fair, fibres for gluing and gussets.

I hope this helps

Andavagoodweekend. Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif

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