tophatyachts.com

Hi Guys / Gals ,


On the Australian Day i moved our Mk1 from Lovett Bay Boatshed to Mooney Mooney Creek , onto our new mooring . With the trip being quite pleasant Cruising up Pittwater , into The Hawkesbury River . Though earlier in the day i ran into a cement barge with considerabble force , i sheered a layer of Fibreglass that is about 10cm in radius off the bow above the waterline , on the port side . Superficial in nature , that has not caused any integral structural loss . With my young children onboard that weekend i am grateful that this incident took place onboard a Mk1 Top Hat , as i consider them being built like an Army Tank , and if you were onboard when the incident took place , im sure you would lay testament to their ability to endure such abuse !!!


If our Top Hat was a trailer sailor , i would be able to repair current concern , as i am quite handy with working on Fibreglassing boats on dry land . Is there a way i can repair this damage with her being moored , i have an idea , though id like Owners Opinion ?


Admitting , that all is not indeed , smooth sailing !!!


Brad
DESIREMK1

How about some photos Brad?

Hi Phillip ,

Photos were the last thing on my mind mate , i was more concerned with inspecting both external , and internal wall , with only external damage received .

There were a number of contributing factors that lead to this incident , and as a Safety Officer , i feel Embarrassed that this incident took place , though i feel airing this incident will ensure more caution is taken in the future , by myself . The contributing factors for this incident , are as follows :

1) Feeling a need to get voyage underway , sooner .
2) Having an outside source , stressing over Estimated Time Of Arrival ( ETA ) .
3) Lack of thorough visual environment respect .
4) Lack of craft preperation .


im sure that within Everybodys boating experience that there are moments that they wish they had handled better , i have great respect for that of my young Children's well being , and my public duty to operate our Sailboat in a safe manner . It will be with greater diligence in the future , that all care is taken in ensuring safer boating practice is employed by myself , and indeed , one of the reasons why i have developed a passion for sailing !!!!


Brad
DESIREMK1

It is amazing how a few pressures can build up which may work together so we end up with an 'ouch!' moment.

Without a photo of the damage, I think it is hard for someone to suggest what and how a repair may be undertaken. It is amazing how much can be done from a stable tender beside a boat. Just gotta be careful when laying down the electrical tools that ya don't drop them in the water.

cheers
troppo

Hi Troppo ,

The process i have in mind to repair bow , is a process i have since found Online to used quite regularly on this type of hull repair , as follows , more or less :

1) Clean area to be repaired .

2) fill area with fibreglass matting .

3) Cover area with a board , sealing edges by screwing board into place using screws ( 1ply plywood ) , leaving 10mm gap from top , to allow Epoxy Resin to enter from gap .

4) Once Epoxy Resin has cured , remove board . Sand , and paint to a satisfactory standard .

I like your advice in regard to the use of Tender , as you describe Troppo , this would add to a successful outcome .


Brad
DESIREMK1

I've used ply with some plastic on it as a mold over a repair, the plastic sheet was to stop the ply sticking.I have not used screws as in the past I have been able to push ply on with a stick poking on something else or used clamps. Screws should work. After the screws are out a bit of epoxy on the hole and you would never know it was there.

With glass mat and epoxy it should be strong.

I usually grind or sand a bevel on the edges of the repair so the new epoxy has plenty of area to grab onto. Then I paint with straight epoxy followed by layers of cloth cut to various sizes to fit. Amazing what can be fixed.

All the best with the repair

troppo

Hi Brad,
Yep need photos!
Cured epoxy is very hard to sand, I don't think you'll need a board/mould of any description & you wont need paint,
cheers

Hi Shaun ,

The problem that is faced with this repair , is that the damaged ares is on the port vertical side . Which will require a bit of thought into the repair , as the Epoxy Resin will not sit to well , while curing , if not braced ....

It has been in my experience , that working with Epoxy Resin, including sanding , is manageable . Though given the isolation of the repair , and the difficulty involved , this seems to be the biggest hurdle .....

it may be as early as next weekend , before i am able to start on the repair ...


Brad
DESIREMK1

As an alternative, given its not structural, you could give it a coat of epoxy resin to seal it for the time being, then fix it properly when next out for an antifoul.

Cheers, Rod

Hi Rod ,

I was thinking along those lines mate , its just a terrible thing to have such a beautiful lady in your life , in need of Cosmetic Surgery !!!! Lol


Next Anti Foul : August - September .

Brad
DESIREMK1