Other reinforce fiberglass dock box

Andrew1289

Andrew1289

I just picked up a used fiberglass dock box.

It has a small crack on the end by the hinge that needs to be fixed. Also I am hoping I can reinforce all areas of the dock box as well. They all are a little flimsy.

I've done fiberglass repairs on boats and such before.

Can anyone give me some pointers... Can I use polyester resin instead of epoxy to save money? Or should I just use epoxy?

Should I use chopped mat or just reg. fiberglass mat? What thickness? How many layers, 2,3?

Can I just use auto paint on the outside or do you think it needs gelcoat? I'm thinking of just bringing it to a low key auto body place and having them paint it. If I do gel, I'll just roll it on.
 
Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
Unless you can be sure about what it is made of, I would use epoxy. Poly will only stick to poly. If it is anything else, it will delaminate. Epoxy should be in there for the long haul, assuming you prep it right.

I dislike chop mat. It is cheaper, but I prefer biax for everything. Pretty side out leads to a lot less finish work, it is strongest, and it is easier to work with. 12oz is the thinnest. It's what I use unless I am trying to get it bulky fast, which you are not. You can use woven cloth if you like and want something thinner, but cloth on thin leaves pin holes. If it needs to be water tight, plan on several layers and try to put tape or something on the outside so the epoxy fills in all the little holes in the weaves.

I can not tell you how much thickness you need...

I have never used gelcoat so I can't say. Paint works fine. Check my build thread, about page 4 (my 1st superjet). I painted that with a set of home depot guns (one HVLP and one standard gun $80, only used HVLP gun). It's a $13 qt of silithane paint thinned with mineral spirits. It faded pretty quick. The second time I did it I used the same paint with some UV resistant polyuritane clear coat from home depot $10. Hasn't faded but it has yellowed some and it stays covered. That clear coat is very runny so put it on super thin. My 1st 2 coats went on great, but coat 3 I got a little carried away and ended up with some sag marks.

All depends on your budget.

Disclaimer: I have no idea what I'm talking about.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom