PVC Glue and Fiberglass

Larry J

Larry J

Active member
Will PVC glue destroy fiberglass or gel coat on a boat? I'm lining a hole through the fiberglass boat with a short PVC extension with a narrow flange (because I have it and it fits perfectly in the hole). So I figure glueing it in place with PVC glue (which I also have) would be the simplest way to secure it. There's a 1/4 plywood backer behind the hole for extra support around the hole. Maybe I'm overthinking this, just wanted to be certain. thanks.
 
PVC glue won't glue PVC to wood or anything else. It also is not a sealer for thru hull projections. The best thing if you are going to go thru the hull would be to have threaded fittings on both sides so you can tighten a pvc nut with a rubber washer against the hull on each side.
 
Epoxy will also adhere well to pvc, provided its prepped well. I used some ripped 2" pieces as drain flow throughs on some bench seats in the latest boat I was working and it worked well. I wiped them good with acetone, scuffed/sanded with 60grit paper, wiped with acetone again, flamed, and finally glued the contacting parts using 5200 and fileted and glassed it in.

Brad
 
Epoxy will also adhere well to pvc, provided its prepped well.
Brad
Click to expand...


Not being argumentative here, but no, it does not. The chemistries are not compatible and they will leak eventually. This type of bond is NOT to be used especially below the waterline.

In the 70's, there were several boat founderings that were directly connected to this issue.

5200 is a better option, if not a better process in the beginning.
 
I'll take your word on it, I've never seen anything to the contrary and know many boat builders down east run pvc for wire runs/drains etc that are bonded directly to the epoxy/resin. I did a test section and was thoroughly pleased with the bond. Again, the section I used was inside of a bench seat and was 5200'd down before fileting around it and glassing it so I'm really not worried especially considering it will have very minimal exposure to sunlight/moisture. On top of that the glass covers not only the pvc but is adhered to the ply as well.

Brad
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top