Epoxy filler, water proof?

JSP · 12 January 2009, 15:13

I repaired some damage to my hull the other week with epoxy filler. The RIB now needs to live in the water wail I have some things done to the trailer. With the cold outside I can't flowcoat the hull yet.
Is bare epoxy filler waterproof? I can put a small amount of flowcoat over the repair and set it with some heat until the time comes for doing the whole hull if need be but would rather wait till I can do the whole hull.

Nasher · 12 January 2009, 15:20

JSP

If you've got room I'd roll the boat off onto an old mattress or even the grass rather than drop it in the water for any length of time if you are worried.

Nasher

Mollers · 12 January 2009, 15:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

I repaired some damage to my hull the other week with epoxy filler. The RIB now needs to live in the water wail I have some things done to the trailer. With the cold outside I can't flowcoat the hull yet.
Is bare epoxy filler waterproof? I can put a small amount of flowcoat over the repair and set it with some heat until the time comes for doing the whole hull if need be but would rather wait till I can do the whole hull.

You could try rendering the underside of the boat and the giving it a couple of coats of Sandtex.

Just an idea.

JSP · 12 January 2009, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

JSP

If you've got room I'd roll the boat off onto an old mattress or even the grass rather than drop it in the water for any length of time if you are worried.

Nasher

Thanks Nasher,
Not got the room to store it like that. Will try asking friends and family if they can spare some space for a couple of days. Otherwise it's the marina. Looks like I'll have to put a temp coat of topcoat. Balls!

JSP · 12 January 2009, 16:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

You could try rendering the underside of the boat and the giving it a couple of coats of Sandtex.

Just an idea.

With coving around the tubes?

Poly · 12 January 2009, 16:36

if you used EPOXY filler it should be waterproof - its actually more waterproof than gel/flow coat. We used to use plastic padding filler (not epoxy based AFAIK) for temporary repairs to sailing dinghies left in the water - with no issues.

JSP · 12 January 2009, 17:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

if you used EPOXY filler it should be waterproof - its actually more waterproof than gel/flow coat. We used to use plastic padding filler (not epoxy based AFAIK) for temporary repairs to sailing dinghies left in the water - with no issues.

Really? Great stuff!

Cheers Polwart

The Garfish · 12 January 2009, 17:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Just an idea.

yus butt az sum uvver nobbur sed........

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

that's a crap one.

witewosh wud bee beter

garF

codprawn · 12 January 2009, 21:02

Epoxy will withstand petrol and other solvents along with strong acids so water shouldn't be a problem.............

chewy · 13 January 2009, 08:56

Should be fine with epoxy filler. As far as I'm aware its the same as epoxy resin but with a bulker/filler in it?

Copper coat is just epoxy resin with copper filings in isn't it?

alystra · 14 January 2009, 17:16

I'm pretty sure it will be ok to keep the boat in the water for a while. Epoxy is waterproof. The issue is the material that acts as a filler. If it's something like chalk there's a possibility that may soak up water - but I'm sure that would take a long time. International used to make a 'lightweight epoxy filler' which contained microscopic glass beads to bulk it up. That was completely waterproof - and astronomically expensive, as I found out to my cost.

JSP · 14 January 2009, 19:03

I think I'm gonna wack abit of flowcoat over the top of the repairs for piece of mind. Thanks folks