[quote=rdemmin]Ok, I apologize for the long post, but I could use some serious help from those with fiberglass/repair experience. I was sailing on the lake last sunday in about 10 mph winds and hit a stump (or something!) 300 yards off shore . After I and my crew recovered from the stop I discovered the port daggerboard had been hammered back into the lower portion of the daggerboard well. We returned to shore before she filled completely with water. Thank God!
So now I have this PITA repair to do before I can sail some more... and I was just getting really addicted too! (this is my first cat)
I'll post a bunch of pics so hopefully u can see exactly whats involved. Im thinking of purchasing the West Systems epoxy/hardner etc to do the repair, and will probably purchase enough to re-glass the bottoms after this season as they could really use it.
Here's what I'd like to know:
1. Are there other equally strong non-Bondo products that are less expensive then West systems or is that pretty much the best way to go? (sorry im on a budget)
2. How the HECK to I do this?? lol I mean, I can reach my arm though the port hole and get to the repair from the inside of the hull - but my hand will barely squeeze much less move in the well.
3. If I go with West systems or another 2-part epoxy do i need to mix colloidal silica or some other filler with it (so many to choose from!)
4. Ive read about folks fixing structural cracks/voids by shredding fiberglass cloth and mixing the whole mess up together w/ the epoxy then pushing this into the crack. Any thoughts?
5. Do I use the same epoxy mix to patch my daggerboard?
Im guessing whatever method, the less sanding the better considering the location.
Here are the pics... (last 2 for inspiration purposes :)
The crack/hole runs about 7" up from the bottom, along the middle of the aft inside daggerboard well. Its about 3/8" wide at the widest spot. The "cut" made by my daggerboard also extends about 3 1/2" into the bottom of the hull aft of where the daggerboard slot should end.
[IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/rdemmin/Solcat/DSC05099.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/rdemmin/Solcat/DSC05035.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/rdemmin/Solcat/DSC05103.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/rdemmin/Solcat/DSC05107.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/rdemmin/Solcat/DSC05109.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/rdemmin/Solcat/DSC05113.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/rdemmin/Solcat/DSC04937.jpg[/IMG]
(the colored fuzzy stuff on the pic showing the inside crack is old carpet lining near the top of the db slot)
Ps - I'd like to buy the epoxy and supplies this weekend, based on the ideas, info, and suggestions you guys have,
Thanks in advance!
Gordon <!-- editby --><em>edited by: rdemmin, Aug 22, 2009 - 09:02 AM</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
No HTML tags allowed (except inside [code][/code] tags)