Fiberglass is widely used as floor material for boats because it is lightweight, affordable and durable. However, no matter how durable fiberglass boats are, damage is still bound to happen especially on the floors. Wear and tear as well as accidental collisions can cause significant damage to this particular kind of boat. In case this happens, it is good to know how to repair a fiberglass boat floor.
Materials Needed
This moderate task requires only a few important materials. These include a paintbrush, a resin applicator and epoxy resin. Aside from these, you must also have a marine-type gel enamel, 120-grit sandpaper and fiberglass cloth. Once you have these things, you can start right away with the process of repairing.
Steps
Protection is very important when working with potentially hazardous elements. Wear safety goggles as eye protection and rubber gloves for your hands. Wear these at all times while handling different kinds of chemicals like epoxy resin and marine-type gel enamel. Locate voids and cracks and then fill them with epoxy resin using the resin applicator. Because it quickly dries when exposed to air, it is important to work as quickly as possible.
On top of the filled crack, put a thin coat of resin. After that, top it with fiberglass cloth. Be sure that the amount of resin you put is enough to hold the cloth in position. The patched area can dry up for about 4 to 6 hours. Moisten the sandpaper and then use it on the repaired area. In the end, it must be in the same level as the surface. Slowly sand the area but remember not to overdo it.
Top the repaired area with a coat of marine gel enamel using a paintbrush. After applying this material, the repaired part looks shiny and new. Be sure to choose enamel that is specifically designed for a marine environment, which remains fine even when exposed to the sea and other environmental factors.
Additional Tips and Other Helpful Information
An ounce of resin material is enough to cover 75 square feet of space within a boat. Once you see a small crack, it is best to work at it right away in order to prevent more problematic damages and situations. Remember that it is easier to fix a small area than to repair something that covers a bigger space. Patience is very important. Never rush things in order to achieve desirable results.
