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Oh mighty power of the forum.....I come to you with (Also con continuous Wave)


I have decided to replace the rub rail of my 68' 13 sport. Upon removal of the old rail I came across several problem areas (shown in the pictures). I have formulated a plan of attack...a plan that is open to changes/suggestions, comments/words of advice from those with hull repair experience. While I am a fairly handy individual; keep in mind my experience with fiberglass and hull repair is minimal at best.

First area:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f201/MarkMan0415/PICT0003.jpg

Plan: Lay a line of 5200 within the entire separation...enough to really get in there and seal the joint without too much excess mess. I will lay a 2x4 or some sort of pressure distributor along the top of the gunwale, clamp it down and allow it to set for about a week. Upon removal of the clamps I will dust the area and clean with acetone. I am debating laying a small strip of fiberglass along the joint to seal and strengthen the repair further. (Probably should be done...however my fiberglassing skills are relatively unknown) Once that has hardened I will sand if necessary, touch up any overlay with the proper color and continue my rub rail install.

Concerns: My fiberglassing knowledge/skills. I am thinking fiberglass mesh (matting is so messy). Is that OK to use? I know nothing of different grades/thicknesses or resins to use. Is the Home Depot repair kit going to cut it?


Second area:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f201/MarkMan0415/PICT0002.jpg

Plan: My plan here is not as formulated as I would like it to be. I would go forth with the repair mentioned above except there is more damage to this area. The portion of the hull inferior to the hull/deck joint is cracked and loose. I feel with just moderate pressure I could break away a good 4"-5" strip of hull. I could...

A: Continue with the repair mentioned above but add another layer or two of fiberglass...being sure to encompass the entire problem area. OR

B: Break away the loose stuff and screw in some sort of pressure treated/coated wood shaped to fit in the area...Glass over it all and sand it to shape. Paint...then continue with the rub rail install.

Concerns: My fiberglassing knowledge/skills. See above concerns.


Third area:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f201/MarkMan0415/PICT0001.jpg

Plan: My plan here is to fill the void then continue with the repair as mentioned in the first and second excerpt. There is no structural hull damage in this area as in the second area.

Concern: Other than my fiberglassing knowledge/skills is how to go about filling the void. I have yet to come up with a clever game plan of filling the hole. I am open to ideas.

Any advice....any pearls of wisdom anyone can bestow upon me will be forever appreciated. I am going to be a boat owner for the rest of my life. I need to begin developing my repair/fabrication skills, it is just intimidating starting a project beyond my experience. If things get too ugly I do know a good fiberglass guy.

Thank you in advance


Mark