Under water filler

[firstascent2002]

Hi all.

I need to fill a gap between the front of my outboard well and the front of the lazarette because the cockpit drain has started to leak into the gap. The whole thing has been epoxyed so getting it out to re seal would be a nightmare!!. I guess that the gap will take approx 4 pints of filler. If I was a rich man I'd fill with epoxy and colloid. As I'm not I was considering cement. Anythoughts on a filler then won't break the bank??

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[Rick]

The thought of pouring any material in that quantity scares me - can you elaborate a little - you say the front of the outboard well and the front of the lazarette?

Would it not be feasible to cut the "epoxied" section out, effect an appropriate repair, and then glue it back in? If the cockpit drain has started to leak somewhere, I'd suggest it's better to repair that problem, rather than try and mask it as such ..... just my 2 cents worth. ......

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[jerryat]

Hi Rick!

Yeh! Scares me too! I agree completely re sorting the initial leak first rather than 'covering up' the problem. The other consideration that springs to mind is the additional weight, but presumably that isn't of concern.

I would bite the bullet, put up with the inevitable mess, cut the existing section out and refit it after sorting out the leak. If the filler idea IS to be pursued, I can't think of a cheap solution other than trying an expanding closed cell foam. Trouble is, it might be difficult to ensure that water from the leak doesn't creep down the sides etc and continue the potential for damage.

As you say, it's difficult to envisage the scene without a better description of the well/lazarette relationship.

Wish I could be of more help.

Good sailing!

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[firstascent2002]

Alright. Message taken on board. For once I won't botch the job I'll do it properly and cut out the drain and re seal in a new one.

thanks for your thoughts

jamie

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[jerryat]

Attaboy Jamie!!

You know it makes sense!!

Hope it all goes really well for you.

Good sailing!

Jerry

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[AndrewB]

I needed to fill a gap in my anchor well a little while back and used two-part polyester resin, essentially the goo used for GRP repairs. From memory, a 5-litre pack cost about £30. Mix up a batch and pour, but as it gets really hot while going off its best to apply this a bit at a time in layers. Its easy enough to mould, sets rock-solid and is absolutely water-tight but you'd better not make a mistake as it takes a lot of chipping out.


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[Rick]

I hope I don't sound like a knowall, but I'd caution against using polyester resin in this way - unlike epoxy, polyester has no adhesive qualities, and is very rigid when cured, and therefore subject to fracture. It also shrinks a little during cure, so there's the possibility that you'll end up with potential leaks around the perimeter, in addition to betrween the layers where the seperate pours took place.

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