SX/SXi/SXi Pro NEED HELP with 98 ski build

[98kawa750]

Recently picked up a 98 sxi pro from a relative that hadn’t used it in 4 years. after draining all the gas and tinkering with a few things got itr unning. Ran great all summer except the hull has some holes in it in front of the intake grate and it takes on water. The holes are relatively small more of just a crack about 1-2” long. I have rebuilt tons of cars trucks and dirtbikes but never worked on fiberglass before. Looking for some advice on how to address the problem areas in the hull as well as what type of paint I shoulduse when I respray it. I have it completely sanded and stripped down the ski. I have a gravity fed paint gun I plan to use , but have no clue on what type of paint touse. Im not looking for a show finish, just want something that will look goodand hold up. any advice will greatly help.<o></o>

 

[98kawa750]

 

[aaron750]

Kawi's are SMC not fiberglass. Don't use fiberglass resin if you plan to lay new material for the repair it wont stick effectively. Everyone here will tell you to use a good epoxy resin, but I'm no expert

 

[j_rogers]

smc is a tough material to repair correctly.. i work at a body shop and we may have a cd-rom disc that explains the correct way to fix smc.. i could ask my boss if he knows where it is and i could either copy it or just send it to you if you'd like.

 

[j_rogers]

i hope this helps.. the video would not play on my computer so im going to keep trying to get it to play but here is kind of a step by step procedure..

 

[98kawa750]

i hope this helps.. the video would not play on my computer so im going to keep trying to get it to play but here is kind of a step by step procedure..


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Dang thats super helpful thanks so much! by the way sick ski! Do you really think just using an epoxy resin would be that bad to do? I just want it to float dont care too much about how it looks ?

Also what type of paint did you use on yours?

 

[j_rogers]

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/3m-...p-15297.aspx?gclid=CLSJ1tqHqLcCFc5cMgodLzIA1A

that is the material i would use.. i know its a little expensive but it will give you a good/strong repair.. you will also need the gun and mixing tips..

Dang thats super helpful thanks so much! by the way sick ski! Do you really think just using an epoxy resin would be that bad to do?

Also what type of paint did you use on yours?

thanks! its not done yet tho still waiting on the motor to get done and to get turf but thats getting done at php.. i use PPG automotive paint.. seeing as i work at a body shop it was right there for me to use.. and only costed $395 for materials,,

 

[98kawa750]

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/3m-...p-15297.aspx?gclid=CLSJ1tqHqLcCFc5cMgodLzIA1A

that is the material i would use.. i know its a little expensive but it will give you a good/strong repair.. you will also need the gun and mixing tips..



thanks! its not done yet tho still waiting on the motor to get done and to get turf but thats getting done at php.. i use PPG automotive paint.. seeing as i work at a body shop it was right there for me to use.. and only costed $395 for materials,,

Thanks so much dude thats awesome, guess i just need to find some patches of smc to use with the adhesive and layer it like you showed in the diagram right? sorry for all the ?? new to working on boats

 

[j_rogers]

thats what it looks like to me... i have never had to repair smc myself.. i still cant get the video to play ill have to try a different computer.. but im glad i could help.. if i get the video to work i will be sure to post it on here

 

[98kawa750]

thats what it looks like to me... i have never had to repair smc myself.. i still cant get the video to play ill have to try a different computer.. but im glad i could help.. if i get the video to work i will be sure to post it on here

THanks MAN!! been a huge help

 

[j_rogers]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzAKI5WxJWw

 

[ArtMaybee]

I've been using fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin to fix SMC for years. I've never had a repair fail. Though I have broken out bad repairs done with polyester resin a few times and redone them with epoxy. It's crazy how easy you can peel polyester repairs off a SMC hull.

If you have a West Marine, their epoxy resin systems are nice. I've also had good luck with epoxy resin from US Composites.

 

[ArtMaybee]

For paint, epoxy primer will help with making the paint stick. Then I've had good luck with automotive single-stage urethane paint. It's catalized so fuel spills won't make it peel. Base Clear is nice but single-stage seems tougher.

 

[98kawa750]

Just placed a order with Steve at http://www.uscomposites.com/ these guys are awesome and super helpful i would strongly recommend them to anyone

 

[ArtMaybee]

Mix micro balloons with epoxy until thick like peanut butter as a body filler. Regular bondo will fall out. The balloons thicken, make it easier to sand, and reduce weight of the resin.