Huntindave McCann
Well-known member
As it so happens, just the other day I noticed some cracking in a couple joints along the cockpit combing. So,,,,,,,,,,, today I did something about them. This may serve as an example of what one might encounter, for any boat construction, whether it be wood, aluminum or concrete (yes there have been boats made using concrete).
This may also serve as an example of just how easy it can be to effect a repair with minimal tools and skills.
The issue as I stated earlier, was a couple cracks in the original fillets, of two joints.
The first step in the repair process is to grind away the original fillet material. Create a divot or hollow, in the surfaces to accept new epoxy. The new fillet must be of sufficient thickness as to not crack again in the future.
Third step is to determine what concoction should be used to glue everything back together. Why a two part epoxy of course. Epoxy resin alone, has little strength by itself. Thus a choice was made to add "chopped fiberglass strands" to the mix. Along with a small scoop of "carbosil micro balloons" to reduce any sagging.
Just a couple minutes of mixing and it was time to apply the thickened, reinforced epoxy to the joints in question.
Easy peasy, even I can handle a job like this. A few hours to cure and then it can be cleaned up with some light sanding and given a fresh coat of paint.
All total about a 3 hour repair with tools and supplies I already have on hand. No tig/mig welder needed and no worries about adjoining paint, wires or anything else melting from weld heat.
This may also serve as an example of just how easy it can be to effect a repair with minimal tools and skills.
The issue as I stated earlier, was a couple cracks in the original fillets, of two joints.
The first step in the repair process is to grind away the original fillet material. Create a divot or hollow, in the surfaces to accept new epoxy. The new fillet must be of sufficient thickness as to not crack again in the future.
Third step is to determine what concoction should be used to glue everything back together. Why a two part epoxy of course. Epoxy resin alone, has little strength by itself. Thus a choice was made to add "chopped fiberglass strands" to the mix. Along with a small scoop of "carbosil micro balloons" to reduce any sagging.
Just a couple minutes of mixing and it was time to apply the thickened, reinforced epoxy to the joints in question.
Easy peasy, even I can handle a job like this. A few hours to cure and then it can be cleaned up with some light sanding and given a fresh coat of paint.
All total about a 3 hour repair with tools and supplies I already have on hand. No tig/mig welder needed and no worries about adjoining paint, wires or anything else melting from weld heat.