Epoxy resin cloths

[gtflash]

I am about to undertake a bit of a project, still in negotiations about price, but it will need some repairs, namely stringers and some beefing up in the hull area. Its previously been repaired (badly) using epoxy resins. Therefore I believe I will be stuck with using epoxy later on.

Simple question, I do not understand all the cloths used with epoxy resins. I believe bi-axial is the commonest strong one used from googling, however Im not entirely sure. Are they just as easy to lay up as CSM and wovens roving?

Stringers are ply and good and strong, but the glassing is patchy, therefore I intend to get it back to a flat surface, then cover over whole stringer with glass. Any ideas how many layers I will need of which cloth??

Hull is very light, and could do with some extra strength, I toyed with skinning the whole interior of hull with a carbon fibre, but it seems the hard material stuck to the softer one can break away???? SO next idea was to add a core in the stressed areas, if so how many layers of epoxy/cloth will be needed to seal the core, without adding too much weight. I believe I understand how to stick a core to the old inner hull, but most core layup descriptions are for polyester fabrics.

Thanks in advanced GT

[gtflash]

West Marine epoxy at the boatshow, were very helpful. He suggested a minimum of 2 layers of 450g bi-axial, thats 15oz 738 fabric, and the 2nd layer 90degrees to the other. Could anyone confirm this ??

[Rogue Wave]

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did you get the West systems how to CD?

[captnjack]

Originally Posted by gtflash

West Marine epoxy at the boatshow, were very helpful. He suggested a minimum of 2 layers of 450g bi-axial, thats 15oz 738 fabric, and the 2nd layer 90degrees to the other. Could anyone confirm this ??

You are asking for comments on how to best repair a hull which was underbuilt. By how much? What size hull? What is the original layup? What is wrong with it? And also have not seen. How are is anyone supposed to know if this is adequate?

Yes normally biaxial fabrics are laid across one another. The West system products are fairly easy to work with and straighforward.

[gtflash]

apoligies, I thougt I mentioned it is a rib, 28ft hull length. Further investigation, she had some laminate issues, not specifically sure what, but has had some poor wood stringer rplacements.

Wood all looks good, but the glassing is very patchy. The layup was only one less layer of fabric than normal production craft, and it had a special resin which begins with d, but i forgot its name.

[captnjack]

Layup on the top and sides of wood stringers does almost nothing except keep water out. Foam stringers need a "box" of GRP around them to a much greater degree.

So these stringers were replaced once already and the repairer did a poor job? For all the issues you are having I think you need an in-person professional consultation, not just us internet lackies.

[Rogue Wave]

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was the place I meant it's actually East Coast Fibreglass.

[gtflash]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Buy fibreglass supplies online UK - East Coast Fibreglass Supplies

was the place I meant it's actually East Coast Fibreglass.

Thanks rogue.

[gtflash]

Originally Posted by captnjack

So these stringers were replaced once already and the repairer did a poor job? For all the issues you are having I think you need an in-person professional consultation, not just us internet lackies.

Yes. Stringers need help. From further advice the wood ones need beefing up.. Still unsure how many layers of bi-axial. Thanks for comments About professional advice. Would kinda defeate the object of a forum though!

I have been in contact with the builder, and the bloke who actually laid her up. She is derakane resin.

[Rogue Wave]

Originally Posted by captnjack

Layup on the top and sides of wood stringers does almost nothing except keep water out. .

How are they held on to the hull. if not for the layup on the top and dides.

i genuinely thought the strength came from the glass being shaped over the wood, i just thought you went foam to save weight. I am obviously refering to GRP hull and am happy to learn something

CHEERS STU