Fiberglass Boat Repair

Overview

- Boat model: Whaler Outrage 18
- Boat type: Backwater boat suitable for 2 people
- Hull design: Deep V hull, good for ocean use

Summary

- The boat's hull design is respected for its safety and durability.
- The repair process involved addressing damage from running aground, which caused water absorption in the foam core.

Key Points

- The foam core was wet but not waterlogged.
- The repair required access to both inside and outside of the hull.
- Materials used included fiberglass mat and resin.

Repair Process

Problem

- Damage from normal use, specifically the deep V hull getting damaged from running aground.
- Water absorption in the foam core, making it difficult to dry out.

Solution

- Removed sections of the hull to access the inside and explore the extent of the damage.
- Used halogen lights to dry out the area.
- Applied fiberglass mat and resin for repair.
- Filled the inside with strand-filled bondo to ensure a solid repair.

Steps

1. Initial Exploration
- Removed a section of the hull to check the inside.
- Found the foam was wet but not heavy with water.
2. Drying Process
- Used halogen lights to dry the area.
- Removed additional sections of the cap insert to clear out more foam.
3. Repair Application
- Applied fiberglass mat from Amazon (both weave and woven types).
- Used a pint of fiberglass from Walmart.
- Filled the middle inside with strand-filled bondo.
4. Final Touches
- Applied one layer of mat on the outside with additional strips at heavy wear spots.

Notes

- Polyester resin has no shelf life, making it suitable for quality repairs.
- The goal was to plug the drain and make the area dry storage.
- Access to both inside and outside of the hull was crucial for the repair.