Bow Repair ?

[DESIREMK1]

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

[Phillip]

How about some photos Brad?

[DESIREMK1]

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

[Troppo]

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

[DESIREMK1]

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

[Troppo]

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

[Shaun]

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

[DESIREMK1]

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

[RodM]

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

[DESIREMK1]

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