hatch rebuild

[BillPutney]

How many layers of fiberglass and how are they layered on the hatch cover that is in front of the console on a '78 23 superfisherman . mine looks like a single layer of woven roving over a sandwich of squares of plywood and several layers on the bottom side

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I really don’t know how many layers of glass there it but it’s about ¼ inch or so thick. Mine had those plywood blocks attached and another very thin layer of glass over the blocks to complete the lamination.
When I replaced mine I removed the blocks from the inside replaced with ½ inch plywood and epoxy and put one layer of glass over it. Then use fairing compound and paint.
Other guys have used composite material for the lamination and still others used 2 inch pvc pipe cut long ways and then they glued approx 3 of those pvc pipes along the inside for stiffness then they added a couple of layers of glass then faring and paint.

The rim where it rests on the deck needs to be strong enough that no cracks start showing up over time around that rim. The lamination inside is for stability and strength when you walk on it.
I would also grade the edges on the inside lamination to approx a 45 degree angle so the glass will follow that curve and adhere to the top glass with no air bubbles because of a 90 degree angle edge was used instead of a 45 degree edge.





FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins

Official 23’ SF Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

[BillPutney]

Thanks for the response , did you use mat or some type of cloth . I hadn't thought about beveling the edges , makes good sense . I had thought about using 4" tape on the first course and following up with some type of cloth or mat , mind you I have never worked with fiberglass .

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Hi wwp2

I would use a medium thick cloth for strength but not so thick that you can’t lay it flat over the lamination. Since this in your first time with glass work I would use epoxy resin with a medium 1-2 hour hardening rate. That way you got plenty of time to do your thing.
You really don’t need to buy extra tape just cut the clough longer that the lamination by 2-3 inches if you need a second layer just add over the first.

Here is more that you need to know about the How too’s on the right hand side of this page.

http://westsystem.com/ss/

Good Luch it's really very easy to do just work that's all.

FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins

Official 23’ SF Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner