Fibreglass hole repair

[rigi36]

Not a RIB, but some of the fibreglass experts here will know..

Got a small hole (2cm) in a fibreglass boat.

The inside has cracked and on the outside the gelcoat has broken to make a small hole.

The photos make it look worse than it is

I have access to Gelcoat Repair Kit 1 - White - East Coast Fibreglass Supplies and Fibreglass Repair Kit - Clear Resin - East Coast Fibreglass Supplies

Any help appreciated.

Outside:


Inside:

[ShinyShoe]

OK you will get a range of replies. Do you want quick and dirty or back to factory new? What is boat used for, how long on water? How mission critical? Does it have residual buoyancy? Would be things to think about on how quick and dirty to go.

Personally I'd want to open that up and drill holes at ends of the cracks so it doesn't run any further.

Then I'd take the gel beck to good fibre on both in and outside.

Then a patch of CSM (chopped strand mat) with resin on the inside with probably 5cm overlap. Possible 2 or 3 layers depending on where it is, flex etc. Then on water side file the hole with some fibres in resin.
Then gel and apply acetate to smooth finish seal edges.

Remove when set. Sand. Polish buff.

Then flow coat the inside.

[Seafox47]

Like the last reply, one should always use fiberglas mat and roving to close the hole. Depending on the original thickness of the hull, always lay it back up to the original thickness. Before applying any new fiberglas make sure you remove all dirt/paint or gelcoat to ensure good bonding to the existing bottom.

[Under the Thumb]

You can't go far wrong with this

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/assets/...aintenance.pdf

[Erin]

Use epoxy resin such as West System. It will bond to anything existing whether polyester or epoxy.

[ncp]

Why only mat? Seems a layer or two of cloth mixed with the csm would be a whole lot stronger.