I have a 1979 Prindle 18 with soft top sides. I have searched and read the forums on how to make the repairs. I am hesitant to drill for this reason; is it possible that the foam layer is flexing with the fiberglass layer? I am afraid that in drilling, I may find there is no void between the foam layer and the fiberglass layer as discussed in the forums and would penetrate completely throught. Thoughts?
vr, try this, drill hole through top/outer skin, take a metal probe and push through foam sandwich to feel out delamination void, remember that the thickness of fiberglass/foam/fiberglass is 1/4 in, so if you punch through outer gelcoat/fiberglass layer, you good, you can always use tape on drill bit to gage depth but there is also a stop one can attach to drill bit to set drill depth. Keep in mind that if the area you are concerned about is flexing/crunching, delam has/is occuring and you might as well go ahead and repair anyway. Let us know how it goes.
Turbo
Turbohobo, thanks. I am assuming that delamination can occur between either layer of fiberglass and foam, correct? Some areas could possibly be delaminated between the top fiberglass layer and foam and/or between the bottom layer of fiberglass and foam, correct? Planning this out in my mind; if all three layers are separating or have separated, I am thinking I would need to drill beyond the foam, but not through of course, the bottom layer of fiberglass. The series of holes drilled to the bottom fiberglass layer would allow for the resin to penetrate the two voids in between the three layers?
vrhastin wrote: ... allow for the resin to penetrate the two voids in between the three layers?
Where did you get the idea there are three layers of fiberglass layup and two separate layers of foam?
It's foam "sandwich" construction, where the fiberglass is the bread and the foam is the meat. I guess what you describe would be foam "club sandwich" construction, which I don't think exists.
Where did you get the idea there are three layers of fiberglass layup and two separate layers of foam?
I think you were up to late Damon, dreaming about beating Duly:-D
What he said was exactly what you said, just different words, "delamination can occur between either layer of fiberglass and foam...delaminated between the top fiberglass layer and foam and/or between the bottom layer of fiberglass and foam."
As you said,the sandwich does contain 3 layers, glass, foam, glass. This could result in two voids, if the foam were sort of floating around between the 2 layers of glass.
Edited by Edchris177 on Jul 13, 2011 - 05:49 AM.
Either way I believe the repair is the same. You are injecting a crap load of epoxy in between the fiberglass layers and into the foam layer. Doesn't matter if it is de-laminated above or below the foam this epoxy should harden it right up.
Edchris177 wrote:
I think you were up to late Damon,
I think you are right. Somewhere I got the idea vrhastin was describing a third (middle) layer of fiberglass. My bad.
Thanks for the help. I've drilled many holes in the top sides without any problems whatsoever, injected West System epoxy and hardner and now they are very solid. Very satisfied. Much more to do to get her ready for the water. Thanks again.
Now fill the divits with Bondo, sand an hour later, and paint the topsides with Interlux Brightside (preferably white) or even Rustoleum flat or gloss (white). The extra 1 1/2 hours makes boat look new. Pete
pbegle, thanks. I Googled Bondo and see there is an "All Purpose Putty" and a marine grade Bondo. Have you used both? Any other thoughts?