Sharpening fibreglass hull edges

[Drobie]

I need some ideas.

Dick Crowe said in an article that he makes a sharp edge by forming it with squadron putty and hardening it with thin CA.

Is this the best way to do it on a fibreglass hull?

Also, if I want to install ride pads to fibreglass, what's the best material and adhesive to use? Will Styrene be OK? That's what is available at my LHS.

[T.S.Davis]

Doug,

I asked the same question about 4 months ago. It got the same response. It's either top secret or nobody does it. I gave up and filled with squadron putty. Bad thing is that it doesn't look as good as that nice white gel coat bottom.

Terry

[toyboy4145]

I'm no expert but, it seems that you could take some tape and tape off one side of the edge that you are trying to sharpen. Then use epoxy resin with a thickener and apply it to the edge. Then sand it sharp. Assuming that the gel coat is prepped before starting. Just my 2 cents. I was realy looking forward to some responses on this question myself.

[Paul]

Hello Guys,

What I do on plastic hulls to sharpen edges is make a tape dam on one edge, then fill with baking soda and top with thin CA. This method works better for me than the Squadron Putty which I found has a habit of cracking. On a plastic mono all I do is glue a thin doubler to the outside of the hull and fill the edge with medium CA, then sand flush. I don't bother with the chine.

Paul.

[Dan Chase]

My technique is similar to Pails, I use masking tape to create a dam, then fill it with thick CA and kick it, I then use a sanding block to make a nice sharp edge, I did this on a boat 2 years ago and it still works great, no cracking.

[Arvad]

Hi guys,

I have been trying to find easy way to fill craks and other small faults in gel coat before painting.

The best solution so fare, have been to mix Epoxy with mirco balloons, and the just apply with a brush where it is needed.
Its easy to apply, dryes quickly, and sanding is super easy..

100 times faster than using a Epoxy based or normal filler.

Arvad

[airdevil85]

I have found a filler at my local auto supply store. It is called "Micro Fill" it is easy to use, quick drying, when dry it looks and feels like plastic, sands easily and drys really hard. Great for the edges before sharpening them. It is also safe for use with fiberglass
It worked well on my boat that toyboy4145 built for me. The boat came out great. Thanks Nate!!

-Matt

[toyboy4145]

Matt,
Where did you find that filler at? I'm glad you like the boat.

[airdevil85]

I found the filler at NAPA
I screwed up on the name, it is "Micro Lite" not micro fill

[Drobie]

Originally posted by Arvad
Hi guys,

I have been trying to find easy way to fill craks and other small faults in gel coat before painting.



West Marine carries gel coat repair kits in a variety of colors.

However, they're not cheap....as much as 20 bucks.