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Hi Dennis,
I have used Smiths CPES Epoxy system, which I purchased from Jamestown Distributors in RI.
". . . there is a product called smiths cpes epoxy which is supposed to soak into the rotted epoxy and restore its strength. you can find it at rotdoctor.com"
There's a number of articles around on how to do it, but in my search, the ONLY epoxy (I did call West Systems Applications) which claims to work in damp (not wet) environments.
In my case, I had mushy balsa core near my mast step, but I think under the mast step I had plywood core. No matter. First off, I began the project in the fall in central Massachusetts after I had it fully covered.
I used a moisture meter to determine the worst spots. In a 1 foot pattern around the mast step I drilled 1/4 inch holes (using a drill stop) 1/2 inch deep. Sucked out as much moisture as I could with a baster.
I tried the suction with a vacuum cleaner with very limited success. I think next time I'll investigate the "vaccum bagging" technique for this purpose.
I left an oil filled type heater on inside the boat under the mast step area, and left for a 2 months vacation. We came back 5 months later, giving the whole thing 5 months of non-freezing drying out.
I used the Smiths CPES (two parts, I recall). One part is very thin, gets soaked up by the rotted and consolidates the wood into something hard that will mechanically hold the fibers and epoxy. I did that. After curing was done, I sealed the whole area with epoxy, smoothed it down and repainted the area with skid proof paint.
CPES is sold by "Temperature Range" of use, so be sure to get the one thermally designed for your temperature zone.
The traditional method, and perhaps the best method, is to strip the fiberglass back, cut out the offending core, and replace the same with either more end cut balsa or man made 'honeycomb' material.
(Also see West System materials for "How To .." ) Also see "GitRot" for similar material. But neither claimed any fame to working on 'damp' wood. Only dry material.
The CPES system is similar to what "Old House" restorers use to repair well rotted timbers and deco pieces. I had used the home restoration stuff by Minwax to repair one of my older single hung window sash, so I had some knowledge of what kind of repair might work.
If you ask me, now is two years later, how well is the repair holding up, I would be at a loss to say how well, unless I ran outside and drilled a couple of holes to investigate (which I am not).
My coach roof system appears to have plywood core under all major fittings (grab rails, mast step, hatch slides) and balsa core under the rest.
I also have a double, or what appears to be a double core system. Perhaps what I have is the "coach roof" of two fiberglass molds with the core in between them. Then a void between the inner salon coach ceiling and the coach roof. Hmmph that makes sense.
btw I have a 1978 Hunter 27
Bob
Here's a couple of web pages I found along the way: Unforunately, this system won;t let me post them until after I submit 10 posts! Desolee'
Just search on the following terms. ( For every rule there is an equal and opposite workaround. Hah!) OK, these searches both work
"Smiths Warm CPES Epoxy"
"Restoration of Rotted Wood with Penetrating Resin"
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