Re: [Paddlewise] Hull Repairs

Mark Lane wrote:

> I've been using epoxy for . . . um. . . well,
> many years (over 25 anyway), and never had the slightest problem.  I use
it
> all the time in confined spaces.  It's harmless.
>
For you, but each person's makeup is different, and the prudent thing to do
is to minimize contact of epoxy resin with bare skin.


> Regarding mat vs. cloth.  Mat is thicker and properly used should provide
> more strength and solidity per application.
>
Solidity - perhaps.  Strength - I'm not so sure.  There is also a weight
penalty when mat is used.  Of course, technique also comes into play, as the
goal is to add just enough resin to wet out the cloth and fill the spaces
between the glass strands.  Properly saturated woven cloth provides superior
mechanical properties - at lighter weight - as compared to mat.

> Regarding the notion that building up an area with cloth or mat will lead
to
> increased stress on the area around it, well. . . that sounds a little odd
> to me.  Wouldn't the stress be the same on all other areas as it was
before?
> I'm not a physicist, and I confess questions like this puzzle me.  But I
> certainly wouldn't let this bother me too much.  If I want to reinforce an
> area, I reinforce it.  And I can tell you for sure, I've reinforced a lot
of
> areas on glass boats.  All to good ends, I believe.
>
When I did fiberglass repairs for a fleet of daysailers for the Chicago AYH
sailing program, I also used lots of mat, as the weight penalty was
insignificant, optimum mechanical properties were not needed on a half inch
thick hull, and stress risers were not an issue.  For repairing my canoes,
kayaks, and paddles, I use woven cloth exclusively, and try to *not* create
stress risers.

A great reference for doing fiberglass repairs on kayaks is "Boatbuilder's
Manual", edited by Charlie Walbridge.  Amazon.com says it is out of print,
but maybe copies can be located through used booksellers?  A cursory
description of fiberglass repairs is found in "The Optimum Kayak" by Andy
Knapp.

Regards,
Erik

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