Fibreglass sail boat bulkhead repairs

[Keith 66]

Good job there! Infusion & modern lay up methods like it are a steep learning curve. Not like the old days when moulders slapped the stuff down by hand bombed out of their heads on styrene fumes!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Definitely a process where every step needs to be done right...glad I started with the smaller of the bulkheads. Will be "interesting" doing the longer pieces I reckon!

I still have some issues to resolve so will be testing different setups as I go along.

 

[Turbo]

Would it be prudent to test fit the cut panels before doing any further work?

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Would it be prudent to test fit the cut panels before doing any further work?

I've made this one larger than needed and it'll be trimmed to fit on site. For the larger panels I originally cut them out in marine plywood so planning to use the plywood as my template.

I'm planning to set up a small test vs the 12mm ply to see how it holds up....it'll have to be a very small test as I can't really spare much I think.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Mostly got the hang of the epoxy infusion process...made X3 panels which I will first fit tmrw then I'll make some additional templates and repeat the same process. Will take X3 batches as there are 8 or 9 separate pieces to make.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Got a "first fit" of a couple of the bulkheads...glued in with PU adhesive on Saturday...then today I made up the next lot of templates.

They'll all get tabbed in properly in the end but the PU is good to keep everything in place.

So far I'm quite happy with the results...so just need to keep making them when I can find the time.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I'm busy making the next set of bulkheads....cutting fibreglass cloth gets boring very quickly and I'm constantly sharpening scissors!

Anyone recommend an easier way to cut it...I've been looking at the little 12v Bosch GUS 108 rotary cutter...screw fix have them for £99.99....but will they do the job?

 

[Keith 66]

I always used a stanley knife & sharpen every 5 minutes. I must say those panels look top notch, Well done!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Got another x2 bulkheads made...one went in with minimal effort...the other required a bit of trimming.

Next step is more prep work to get things ready for tabbing...still need some minor adjustments but I'm very happy so far.

Was a hot and dusty job but getting there slowly.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Had a rare day off work today...spent it hacking the boat apart. The original tabbing wasn't stuck very well. It seems that they stuck it to gloss gell coat...hmmm not clever. So I hacked it off...actually it mostly fell off. I suspect it was meant to be nicely bonded to the deck...I also suspect they skimped on the resin!

I decided it's far better to stick the bulkhead to the main deck!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

It turns out all those years I spent restoring cars has finally paid off...I'm pretty handy with the cad work these days .

This was cut for the port and then flipped for the starboard...have to say the hull is pretty bloomin symmetrical!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Did some research...I think an option on these boats was to have a bunk bed under the rear deck. Might explain why the fitted a nice glossy finishing skin. My general rule is redo anything that would be a pain to redo later!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Getting some supplies together for the next phase which is tabbing the bulkheads...need some help from the collective.

I need a screw top container that I can use to soak my tools in acetone. Max tool width is 140mm...max length is maybe 25mm.

Idea is the save the tools in the container between uses.

 

[Turbo]

Getting some supplies together for the next phase which is tabbing the bulkheads...need some help from the collective.

I need a screw top container that I can use to soak my tools in acetone. Max tool width is 140mm...max length is maybe 25mm.

Idea is the save the tools in the container between uses.

I use empty 3 litre comma manista hand cleaner tubs to store paint brushes.
I have the bottom of a 2l water bottle filled with celly thinners inside and the brushes sit in that. Saves having to fill up the tub with thinners.

I also use the oxy action laundry cleaner tubs, you might get your tools into one of the large tubs.

But it's going to be difficult to find a plastic that resists acetone.

Maybe pop into a shop like the range and see if they have any large screw top mason glass jars.

 

[RichardM]

Look for containers made of HDPE, I've stored acetone in it for ages without issues.
Can you clarify the tool sizes you want to store?

 

[Keith 66]

I use rectangular deep polyethylene containers available from fibreglass suppliers, they have snap on lids & are great for brushes rollers & acetone.

 

[addjunkie]

I use rectangular deep polyethylene containers available from fibreglass suppliers, they have snap on lids & are great for brushes rollers & acetone.

Tupperware by another name

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Can you clarify the tool sizes you want to store?

Mainly things like this...biggest is maybe 14cmx25cm.

Ideally I'd like them to sit in a couple inches of acetone to keep them clean-ish.

I also read HDPE is ok, as is PTFE..screw lid and maybe a seal to stop the acetone from evaporating.

 

[addjunkie]

Would this type of thing work

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Air-Locked-3-Piece-Food-Storage-Liter/dp/B071XYVHB7?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&th=1

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Would this type of thing work

I think the seals are silicone which will get attacked by the acetone?

From what I've read PTFE seals might be ok...or I'm thinking HDPE with no seal might work.