Sealing cut holes in GRP/teak foredeck

[Babylon]

I'm about to jigsaw out a sizable hole in my foredeck to fit an electric windlass. The windlass footprint etc will be sealed over the deck, but I'm interested in the best way to seal the exposed edges of the GRP underneath - if it needs sealing at all? (The teak above is solid, probably still a good 5-8mm thick.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[sailvayu]

If the GRP is cored with wood your best option would be to cut the core back about 1/4" in between the skins and fill with a thickened epoxy. At the very least you would want to seal the core with a thin epoxy so it soaks in. If it is a foam core seal with gelcoat. The teak should not be an issue. If you really want to do it "right" make a sleeve out of GRP or metal and use that to protect the raw edges. I am guessing the hole is not round so that might be a problem.

 

[Babylon]

Thanks - out comes the epoxy!