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Best way to fill these large openings.

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Rich P
Master Varnisher
Posts: 116
Joined: Sat Nov 29, 2008 1:21 pm
Boat Name: Raider
Boat Type: Sadler 25

Best way to fill these large openings.

Post by Rich P »

Well,
I've decided to bite the bullet with regards to the white areas on my boat and paint them, this means that I can fill some of the holes that the previous owner had cut (not very accurately) for various purposes.

This first hole had some perspex screwed onto in order to provide light for the quarter berth, there is another one on the opposite side of the cockpit that's just far enough from symmetry with this one that you notice it. :P
Image

This second hole was cut at the front of the cockpit for a bilge pump, a silly place to put it IMO and I want to fill it as well.
Image

As you can see the thickness of laminate for the cockpit is very thin (6mm), structurally this isn't an issue I intend to but in some reinforcing beams below, however I'm at a loss for the best technique to fill the cut outs which are far far bigger than the laminate thickness.
(N.B. West system epoxy is my preferred material of choice for this job)

Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks
Rich
Preparing a small boat for offshore sailing.
http://www.plasticclassicforum.com/view ... 711#p44711
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Ryan
Skilled Systems Installer
Posts: 223
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:14 pm
Location: NE GA

Re: Best way to fill these large openings.

Post by Ryan »

If you check out Tim's restoration logs, you'll see multiple examples of fixing holes like you are describing. At a quick glance, Circe, Hattie Mae and the Dufour project all have these taken care of. Holes from speakers, old insturments and various hardware are a common theme.
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Rich P
Master Varnisher
Posts: 116
Joined: Sat Nov 29, 2008 1:21 pm
Boat Name: Raider
Boat Type: Sadler 25

Re: Best way to fill these large openings.

Post by Rich P »

I shall have a look, thanks!
Preparing a small boat for offshore sailing.
http://www.plasticclassicforum.com/view ... 711#p44711
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Rich P
Master Varnisher
Posts: 116
Joined: Sat Nov 29, 2008 1:21 pm
Boat Name: Raider
Boat Type: Sadler 25

Re: Best way to fill these large openings.

Post by Rich P »

Had a look at the ones Tim did, I'm curious what epoxy and cloth combination did you use to fill those holes, I have plenty of West system and Biaxial cloth, but somehow that seems a lot more substantial than the stuff I use.
Preparing a small boat for offshore sailing.
http://www.plasticclassicforum.com/view ... 711#p44711
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Ryan
Skilled Systems Installer
Posts: 223
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:14 pm
Location: NE GA

Re: Best way to fill these large openings.

Post by Ryan »

While not being able to answer for Tim by any stretch of the imagination, I'd guess you'll find that most of that work was done with West System Epoxy and 1708 biax. It is a popular and common combo around these parts!
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Rich P
Master Varnisher
Posts: 116
Joined: Sat Nov 29, 2008 1:21 pm
Boat Name: Raider
Boat Type: Sadler 25

Re: Best way to fill these large openings.

Post by Rich P »

You must have a different colour epoxy in the states!
Its clear, or very slightly yellowy the West I get. :)

Either way that looks like 'tis going to be the way for me to go!
Preparing a small boat for offshore sailing.
http://www.plasticclassicforum.com/view ... 711#p44711
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Ryan
Skilled Systems Installer
Posts: 223
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:14 pm
Location: NE GA

Re: Best way to fill these large openings.

Post by Ryan »

I don't know about other brands, but I use West, and the fast (and slow for that matter) hardener turns a darker and darker reddish color as it ages.
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