Fiberglass repair question

merttan · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008

I tried to repair my oversize, out of production, and cracked hatch with fiber glass...
Everything was fine until the resin started to cure and heat up... Now the plexiglass hatch is extended during the cure and opened about 1/4" at the cracked area... Though the fiberglass repair area is all cured and standing strong; the hatch is out of shape...
Any ideas how to remove the cured fiberglass or reshape the plexiglass so it will still fit the opening? I really rather to remove the fiberglass if possible to restart the project...

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008

Merttan-

What hardener were you using? During weather like what we've been having in New England, you need to be using SLOW or EXTRA SLOW hardener to get decent working times and for the epoxy not to kick with too much heat.

Without seeing a photo of the problem, suggesting a solution is difficult.

Also, what boat is this repair being done on???

arbarnhart · #3 (**permalink**) 06-15-2008

You are probably going to need a new piece of plexi. It can be shaped pretty freely when heated and you could likely use a heat gun and gloves to reshape it, but you will likely not ever get the surface smooth again. Quick curing hardener has very few applications (IMO) where it doesn't cause trouble.

merttan · #4 (**permalink**) 06-15-2008

I'm working on it in the backyard or in the garage depends on the weather... It's a reinell...
I don't think I can build one from the 1/4"thick plexiglass board since the hatch is all plexiglass, there is no frame.
I used medium hardener...

arbarnhart · #5 (**permalink**) 06-15-2008

A picture would be worth a whole mess o' word at this point. Why wouldn't you just take all the hardware off the hatch, cut a new one out of Lexan (good Plexi) and then attach the hardware to it?

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 06-15-2008

Medium hardener was probably a good part of the problem, given the recent temps.

merttan · #7 (**permalink**) 06-15-2008

The trouble is the hatch is a single piece plexiglass curved on the edges to sit on the opening, only hardware were the latch, lock, and the arms... I'll get a pic tomorrow...

merttan · #8 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008

Nevermind...
I just pulled the fiberglass off the plexiglass by force... It took some sweat, swear, and determination... Now the lesson learned, I filmed the underside the hatch, sprayed some "great stuff" sealant, waited for it to form a support beneath the hatch... Screwed some wood supports around the hatch onto the plywood that I used to work on...
I laid down the first layer of fiberglass once again with fast cure, it looks good... Tomorrow, I'm going to finish up the top side of the hatch, then fix the bottom side...
But thanks anyways...