Fiberglass Repair Advice

[trdprotruck]

DaveB Help me out here?
What causes you to believe there has been deep penetration of the laminates? ( I have worked on and drill through and repaired numerous places on my boat )
This fracture looks(?) rather fresh (?) No aquatic growth to be seen ..no discoloration.. no depth of destruction..
What is your basis for discouraging the use of Marine Tex for anything but filling holes?
I have used this product numerous times.. I have had No Negative issues with it ..This is no new comer to the boating world this product has been around for close to 40 years..... From their site..
Can I drill and tap Marine-Tex Epoxy Putty?
Yes, after it has fully cured Marine-Tex is drillable and tapable
Can Marine-Tex be used to repair gelcoat?
Yes, please see "how to..." section for details.
How high of a temperature can Marine-Tex withstand?
Depends on pressure and conditions. Up to 250°F constant temperature in a dry environment, with spikes up to 300-325°F.

What does Marine-Tex adhere to?
Metal, fiberglass, glass, masonry, ceramic, wood, most plastics.

What does Marine-Tex NOT adhere to?
Plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, and also any unclean, oily, greasy, or otherwise contaminated surface.

Can I apply Marine-Tex under the water?
Yes, but the Marine-Tex is likely to wash away in moving water while it is trying to cure. The FlexSet is better for underwater applications because it is of a denser consistency.

Can I apply Marine-Tex in dry conditions on a below-the-water-line application?
Yes, the Marine-Tex is an excellent choice for repairing gouges or holes that are located below the water-line. Once cured, Marine-Tex is impervious to water and many chemicals. Since putties will go only where they are placed, be sure that the Marine Tex has completely encapsulated the problem area. It is a good idea to sand the perimeter of the repair so that the Marine-Tex achieves a grip on the solid surface around the repair.

Yep there has been no water penetration. The accident that caused the damage was on land and it hasn't been in the water since. I'm still leaning towards using marine tex as a fix although I'm wondering if I need to incorporate any fiberglass mat into the repair.

[DaveB]

The glass fibers are exposed and looks like small flacking of gelcoat. It doesn't take long for water to penetrate the glass strands if it is exposed and under water. I was recommending to totally dry it out with a heat lamp or heat blower to make sure it is totally dry. A good test is to apply the heat blower for a min. and take it off, wait a few min. and see if it has mosture on the surface. If it does you will need to set up a heat lamp at least over night and ck in the morning for mosture after takeing heat lamp away for 5 min. Sand the area with 36 grit paper and rince well with acetone to remove all wax.
I have nothing against White Marine Tex (gray is for metals) and use it were I know I never will gel-coat over it. I use Micro ballon added to gel coat to make a paste for light fixing and in this case would use it in Vinyalest Resin (better) or Polyester resin to bring it back to almost original shape than add 2 layers 2 oz mat overlapping at least 1 inch over the other than feather it out.
You also can use chop strands 1/4 inch to also thicken the Resin. Key is you need strength at that transem not just a filler.
Than gelcoat over it.
Pictures don't tell you everything and best to play it safe.
I usually don't give Proffessional advice as Fiberglassing repairs are dificult to work with as a amature.
Dave

DaveB Help me out here?
What causes you to believe there has been deep penetration of the laminates? ( I have worked on and drill through and repaired numerous places on my boat )
This fracture looks(?) rather fresh (?) No aquatic growth to be seen ..no discoloration.. no depth of destruction..
What is your basis for discouraging the use of Marine Tex for anything but filling holes?
I have used this product numerous times.. I have had No Negative issues with it ..This is no new comer to the boating world this product has been around for close to 40 years..... From their site..
Can I drill and tap Marine-Tex Epoxy Putty?
Yes, after it has fully cured Marine-Tex is drillable and tapable
Can Marine-Tex be used to repair gelcoat?
Yes, please see "how to..." section for details.
How high of a temperature can Marine-Tex withstand?
Depends on pressure and conditions. Up to 250°F constant temperature in a dry environment, with spikes up to 300-325°F.

What does Marine-Tex adhere to?
Metal, fiberglass, glass, masonry, ceramic, wood, most plastics.

What does Marine-Tex NOT adhere to?
Plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, and also any unclean, oily, greasy, or otherwise contaminated surface.

Can I apply Marine-Tex under the water?
Yes, but the Marine-Tex is likely to wash away in moving water while it is trying to cure. The FlexSet is better for underwater applications because it is of a denser consistency.

Can I apply Marine-Tex in dry conditions on a below-the-water-line application?
Yes, the Marine-Tex is an excellent choice for repairing gouges or holes that are located below the water-line. Once cured, Marine-Tex is impervious to water and many chemicals. Since putties will go only where they are placed, be sure that the Marine Tex has completely encapsulated the problem area. It is a good idea to sand the perimeter of the repair so that the Marine-Tex achieves a grip on the solid surface around the repair.

[seahouse]

If you suspect wax on the surface, use acetone (or other solvent cleaner) to clean it before you sand. Very important in that order if good adhesion is a high priority. Sanding a surface with wax on it will only sand the wax into the surface and make its removal by solvents much more difficult. I you want to, after that, you can "tack-rag" it again with your solvent.
-B.