GRP Questions

[Forbsie]

Having got my engine out, I spent yesterday cleaning the bilges and discovered 2 problems that I need advice on.

1. Where the transom meets the bottom in the bilge, the fibreglass is soft and porous. Should I be worried about this, or can I just cut it out and replace it. The transom is about 1-1/2" solid wood and the outside of the hull doesn't seem to have any problems.

2. I have a 3/4 keel. When she was slipped onto the cradle, she didn't sit properly and some of the fibreglass de-laminated. The main cause of concern is a 35mm square baton that is glassed in behind the keel. Can I just resettle the boat and replace the baton or are there stress issues that I need to consider?

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[snowleopard]

never heard of a grp boat with a wooden transom, is that what you meant?

in general, if the grp is mushy you should grind it away (coarse disc in 105mm andle grinder is best) until you get to solid laminate, then build up again with glass/resin. don't leave it as moisture wicks along glass fibres that aren'r full of resin and things will gradually get worse.

as for the keel, grp will set in whatever shape you ask it so make sure the boat is properly chocked before you start. when adding stiffening like this, grind back to clean dry laminate before you start or you won't get a bond.

pm me if you need advice on glass, resin etc.

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day Forbsie,

I take it you have a ply transom, pretty standard on power boats.

You will have to remove the soft GRP, a chisel will save a bit of mess, use a grinder to finish, make sure you get it all.

Re glass with epoxy resin and cloth suited to epoxy (No chopped strand), start with small patches to fill the lows and enlarge as the areas flatten out.

When completed, wash in fresh water (After it's set) till water no longer beads, a plastic pot scourer is best: give a lite sanding and paint, Flow-Coat is good for this area.

As for the 2nd question, provided the boat is supported and aligned, you should have no problems, again use epoxy.

Hope this helps

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



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