Fiberglass repair

[Crazykidd]

Does anyone know where I can get fiberglass work done with out paying an arm and a leg? Any where around San Antonio Tx.

[JB]

You can probably do it yourself, most auto parts stores sell the mesh, epoxy and strengthner in kits, its very easy to use. If you have someone fix the fibroglass and try to match the boat color, you're looking at some big bucks at local boat shops

[Crazykidd]

I know how to do some but this is a little to much for me to take on

[bass kicker]

i would ask reb hes in your area and he possabaly might know

[Rebbasser]

The only thing I would suggest is checking with the boad dealers in the area. So far I haven't had to deal with a major problem, just the little ones I can fix myself.

[1FASTLASER]

Originally Posted by Crazykidd

I know how to do some but this is a little to much for me to take on

What are you calling to much buddy. I do glass repar all the time and unless its transom replavement or stringers or something of that nature its not difficult just time consuming and itchy.LOL. Anyway describe the are needing attention or better yet shoot me a pic and I can be much more specific on the steps to repair.

[Crazykidd]

It's a long story but during a tournament I pulled the boat onto the trailer and as I was walking up to hook the strap up the guy pulled the boat out and as he did the boat came off the trailer and dropped onto the pavement. I will get pics. Thanks for your help.

[flbassman]

West Marine sells kits. Make sure to buy the pump system, its much easier that way.



On a different note, is it possible to fiberglass aluminum? I have a bunch sittin in my garage, and a leaky boat out back, and I would like to combine the two. Would it work?

[bass kicker]

no what works real well for fixing aluminium boats that leak
liquid nails tile glue

[flbassman]

Thanks BK. So just squeeze it on the leaks?

[fishin fool]

The sticks that cabela's sells for repairing leaks on aluminum boats are great. You have to get the area really clean though. Use a wire brush or emery cloth to get down to bare metal and then take a torch and heat that area and melt some of the stick in there. I helped a buddy of mine fix a bunch of leaky rivets on his boat with this stuff and it hasn't leaked at all.

[1FASTLASER]

Originally Posted by flbassman

West Marine sells kits. Make sure to buy the pump system, its much easier that way.



On a different note, is it possible to fiberglass aluminum? I have a bunch sittin in my garage, and a leaky boat out back, and I would like to combine the two. Would it work?

YES. It will work buddy. And as well it's a little trick I have used for several of the can boats around here so the little guys can pick up some speed and improve handling. What you have to do is prep the boat correctly. Thats the MAJOR thing to do when using glass to repair the can boat. I use a Tiger Disc or as some of you might call it a flapper wheel on a 4 1/2 " grinder to remove the paint and rough up the boat. Be careful not to remove any aluminum. Just rough it up. I do the last 4' on the can boats. 90% of the time thats where the leak is. I saturate the 4' with resin and then lay a 24oz mat onto the boat, saturate again and then wait till she is almost setup and then goes on a 8oz mat. Make sure you have the correct roller so you can roll out ALL trapped air. Now before you start laying the glass have you some 6" strips to lay cross ways at the front of the mat so you can after the glass is dry sand that area (the 6" strips) to make a smooth transition in the bottom of the boat. Now this is for the person that wants to gain performance as well as fix a leak. You can do just the leaking area and go on. Again I stress prep work is the key to a well done and long lasting fix. I dont recommend liquid nails. I do recommend JB weld. No pun intended JB.