how do you fiberglass a boat?

Question

I want to stop a leaking rivited aluminum boat (old boat) from leaking. I use the boat as a duck boat -5-6 times per year. I heard that some people have fiberglassed the leaking area. Does this work. If so, I would like to know how to fiberglass. The job does not have to look pretty, just functional.

Answer 1

I'd go with 3M 5200 caulking. The stuff is nearly bulletproof!
Good Luck

Answer 2

Is this from under the floor in a sealed compartment? That would make me immediately look for a split or hole in the hull below the water line. Look along areas adjacent to the keel and chines - and check stringers and where the floor joins the hull up front. Check the transom area thoroughly for any soft spots and possible cracks. The problem might even be some thing unusual like a fitting not sealing correctly - replace the "o" ring on the bung for a start. But if this is just water coming in due to waves or fishing nets then it's no real issue.

Answer 3

You can buy a fiber glass kit at any boat store, it comes with the raisn and the fiberglass sheets... Might be easier to get some sylicone and patch the hole up that way, depending on size of course

Answer 4

+ A friend of mine used another option. He melted an aluminum mix powder that he heated up and poured over the leaks in an aluminum boat that he had for 40 years. He still uses it. I think it lasts a couple of years until he has to do it again. I think he needs to invest in a new boat when it wears out this time. He uses it for duck hunting also.

Good Luck, and try to stay dry.

Answer 5

Go to a boat merchant and get:
Orthophalic resin
Glass fibre matting.
Catalyst, (hardener).
Paddle roller, pint measuring jug, 2" brush.
Abrade the area around the rivets before you start.
Mix 2% catalyst to the resin and mix.
Wet the matt with resin until wet, but NOT soaking.
Place onto boat and roll with paddle roller, dabbing with brush in awkward places.
Or bring the boat to the UK and I will spray it for you.....lol

Answer 6

if you have never used resin and fiberglass cloth, my suggestion to you is find someone who has, because there can not be any air bubbles at all and the resin will set up fast once you mixed the catalyst in....