Holes in epoxied steel hulls

[Anchorite]

Normal steel hull: 7 - 9 coats of epoxy. New fitting requires drilling. How
do you treat the holes? International said hmm try Interfill (dubious).
Obviously soften the edges. And then? Micro-doses of 2pot epoxy...
Anyone got an answer?

 

[spark]

Bed the fitting and coat the fastenings in a polyurethane bedding compound (e.g. 3M 4200FC) making sure that you put enough on so that it squeezes out everywhere. Scrape the residue off with a sharp edge before it sets.

 

[AndrewB]

Interfill is the right stuff, two part epoxy primer. Personally I prefer Blakes/Hempels or Awlgrip though.

Its always very difficult to keep rust out of holes drilled after the original paint job was done. Bolt-through fittings are the worst. If you can work out a way to weld the part directly on, or to weld on lugs to which the part can then be attached, so much the better.

 

[ccscott49]

The hole will start rusting the minute you drill the hole, use rust killer, a phosphoric acid based one is good, allow to dry or whatever is reccomended, then use a polyurethane sealant in around and under the fitting, both sides, scrape any residue off before it sets, this should do the job nicely, the polyurethane, will absorb any miniscule moisture left to cure itself. Preventing any further corrosion. IMHO