Fiberglassing

[Bruce Brooks]

Well progress continues on my Broadbill.

I am at a decision point and need input from the experts.

The hull is ready to begin glassing. It has an outer keel and two keelsons that need to attached. My question is 1 do I attach them then glass over them, 2 glass the hull and then attach them and use a 4" strip to glass them, 3 or do I glass the hull then attach them and not glass them so they may be easily replaced.

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[Eric Patterson]

I've not had any problems by glassing the hull then attaching the keelsons with epoxy and topping them with a metal strip held with 3M 5200 and screws.

Eric

 

[Richard Lathrop]

I agree with Eric. The runners should be easily replaced.

What model sneakbox are you building?

Rick

 

[Bruce Brooks]

Eric

Thank you for the quick response. Option 3 is the one I was leaning towards

 

[Dave Diefenderfer]

Absolutely glass the hull first. If you tried to glass over the keelsons and keel, it would be difficult without significant filleting and rounding, and then you would have likely wear points for the glass to fail. Finish the glass work on the bottom, then drill through and install your keelsons and keel, bedded in 5200 or similar. Though when I did my BBSB, I bolted/and screwed on my keelsons with thickened epoxy as I found it easier to work with, and maybe cheaper than 5200. Filleting, clean-up, and painting epoxy is easier for me.

I used solid PVC edge trim on my keel/keelsons instead of metal for protection/runners. That I attached with 5200 and SS screws. That was in 2009, still looks like the day I finished it.

 

[Bruce Brooks]

Richard

Thank you for your response

It is an Arthur Armstrong Broadbill. I am building it from the plans. They offered it in kit form with all the wood pre-cut.

 

[Bruce Brooks]

Dave

Thank you for your response.

I had not thought that far ahead, but your idea of using a PVC cover is excellent.

 

[bob welsh]

Glass the boat without the keel in place. Attach the keel with fasteners from inside. Use a bedding compound as well. I would double the layer of glass in this area as it takes most of the abuse. On top of that keel use brass or aluminum half round. High density polyethylene is a third choice.