GRP Specialist sought.

[yelbis]

Hi

Unfortunately I sustained extensive damage to my Dehler 34 (1992). It is all stern damage and has completely holed through 50% of the area.
Anyone know a GRP magician that can offer assistance and a sensible repair cost, boats at Victoria
Quay. Gosport. Thanks

 

[Turnnidge]

I have recently used Sam Parker of Parker Marine (Parker Marine) and he did a great job of removing our boat’s previous owner’, “parking rash”. I have seen some of his major rebuild work and it looks very good.
No other connection beyond being a satisfied customer.

 

[Elessar]

Hi

Unfortunately I sustained extensive damage to my Dehler 34 (1992). It is all stern damage and has completely holed through 50% of the area.
Anyone know a GRP magician that can offer assistance and a sensible repair cost, boats at Victoria
Quay. Gosport. Thanks

I know an expert in Southampton but he’s too busy to travel. Guess you can’t get it there?
With damage that extensive let the insurance worry about it.
What happened?

 

[ashtead]

If in Gosport I would ask Chris at Gosport boatyard or contact Russell R who is well known in these parts.

 

[Channel Sailor]

Carl at YACHT CARE PLUS, Gosport.

 

[yelbis]

Thanks everyone, I have had a quote which is the same value as the boat itself. Lost the backstay assembly and manual bilge pump, some electronics and stanchions and guardrails.
The transom boot lid and swim ladder completely written off.
Bow line went during storm although doubled up, I suspect they chaffed each other. She ended up beam to wind with stern against the pontoon.

 

[Concerto]

In the past I had a new boat that was 5 months old and was badly damaged in the October 1987 hurricane. The basic boat cost about £21,000, but with all the extras of sails (7), electronics, safety equipment and personal gear she was insured for £32,000. The damage was extensive with a crack from the waterline and into the cockpit. This was all caused by the oversized mooring lines being chaffed on the fore and aft mooring and folding against the boat astern for hours on end. The repair took 18 months and cost £12,500 as part the deck was cut out and a new section fitted in. This was possible as the mould was available (eventually) to do this. If the crack had caused water to enter, then I expect a new hull and deck would have been purchased and the keel, and fittings transfered, or possibly a complete new boat and just the sails saved.

However, your boat will no longer be able to be repaired in a similar way, but it will be possible to repair. The quote you have is probably in the right cost area, but financially may not make sense if you factor in loosing the use of your boat for about a year. I presume you are insured, so let the insurance company decide whether it is worth repairing. They may decide to offer you the insured value and then you can go and purchase another boat.

 

[Minerva]

Looks like a foam core hull and the hole is where all the back stay loads up too! I can’t imagine that will be a cheap or easy fix. My condolences.

 

[Elessar]

Thanks everyone, I have had a quote which is the same value as the boat itself. Lost the backstay assembly and manual bilge pump, some electronics and stanchions and guardrails.
The transom boot lid and swim ladder completely written off.
Bow line went during storm although doubled up, I suspect they chaffed each other. She ended up beam to wind with stern against the pontoon.

That’s heartbreaking. Condolences.

Couple of points to consider. Order random.

Used boats are expensive so negotiate the offer made by the insurance company. The declared value is not a cap on your claim if it was correct when you took the insurance out and values went up generally (ie not by improvements which you would have to declare)

That offer gives you a budget. Approach repairers and say “can you do it for x”

The repair will be easier and therefore cheaper if you know someone one with the same type of boat that moulds can be make from.

One man band repairers will do a better deal if the boat is located at their base, ie where all their tools and materials are. Consider moving the boat by road to the repairer. That no longer constrains you to the immediate area.

You will miss this season as this is not a quick fix. Big expensive yard may do it quicker but that isn’t what you want. Maybe a write off settlement will get you on the water quicker.

 

[coopec]

Thanks everyone, I have had a quote which is the same value as the boat itself. Lost the backstay assembly and manual bilge pump, some electronics and stanchions and guardrails.
The transom boot lid and swim ladder completely written off.
Bow line went during storm although doubled up, I suspect they chaffed each other. She ended up beam to wind with stern against the pontoon.

Don't you know anyone with fiber-glassing experience who could help you fix it?

I'm certain that could be fixed but to do it well would take time (and it would probably be a better job than by someone in the trade who has to make a profit)

 

[coopec]

Looks like a foam core hull and the hole is where all the back stay loads up too! I can’t imagine that will be a cheap or easy fix. My condolences.

Apparently the Dehler 34 did have a balsa cored hull (but it wouldn't be cored where there are stress fittings?)
I could be wrong but it looks like solid glass where it is damaged.

SailboatData.com - DEHLER 34 Sailboat

 

[coopec]

My first thought was to make up a completely new transom, repair the hull (from inside and outside) and then fit (f/g) the new transom to the repaired hull. For good measure also use X4 bolts to fix the transom flange to the hull (maybe overkill)

I haven't watched this video from S to F but maybe there are some clues? (I'm sure there would be other helpful video clips)

 

[coopec]

 

[coopec]

If you find someone with sound fiber-glassing experience to help I'd say you should go ahead. Just be very methodical and meticulous.

I think you should follow this crowd's advice on the resin to use.

WHICH RESIN TO USE?? EPOXY vs. POLYESTER vs. VINYLESTER – LBI Fiberglass Products

Why people are obsessed with epoxy resin for repair bewilders me (In the US I think it is all about clever marketing)