Interior Fiberglass / Rhino Lining Question

mceveritt · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010

Hi Everyone,

I am in the process of fixing up a 1967 Bristol Corinthian (19.5ft) - The cabin is essentially just a vberth with an opening in the middle. The wood benches were dry rotted in many places so I ripped them out completely. Where the benches met the side of the boat it seems that fiberglass was laid to make a nice sealed edge from the wall to the bench.

My question is that when I build the new benches and put them into the cabin, do I need to lay fiberglass to seal the edges? or can I use something like Rhino Liner to seal in the entire cabin? And would one be better then the other? I like the idea of the Rhino Liner because I wouldn't have to paint, just cover the whole cabin with it.

I hope I am explaining this correctly, I dont have my camera with me or I could post pics.

Thanks for input!

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010

Not sure without seeing photos, but it is very likely that the vberth wooden benches were glassed in to help use them to support the hull. On many boats the interior bulkheads, fittings and furnishings are glassed in place as part of the boat's structure.

I would recommend fiberglassing in the new benches. After doing that, you can seal everything with Rhino Liner if you want...

mceveritt · #3 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010

Thanks for the response. This definitely sounds like the way to go... Though I have never laid fiberglass before which is kinda why I am trying to avoid it...

CalebD · #4 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010

Not that much to epoxy/fiberglass work. The West System stuff is nearly idiot proof and they have great 'how to' guides online: WEST SYSTEM | Use Guides

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010

If you own a boat, you're eventually going to have to learn how to do it... Buy Don Casey's This Old Boat, 2nd Edition. It has a lot of good information in it...

West Systems' website also has a lot of good information on it.

As for materials, I'd recommend using epoxy from Progressive Epoxy Polymers in NH, epoxyproducts.com, and the fiberglass from fiberglasssite.com.

The reason for using epoxy resin, rather than polyester or vinylester resin is that the epoxy resins have the strongest secondary (adhesive) bonding characteristics and will result in a stronger repair for most novice builders.

It is a good idea to glass in the benches on both the top and bottom to make the strongest repair.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mceveritt

Thanks for the response. This definitely sounds like the way to go... Though I have never laid fiberglass before which is kinda why I am trying to avoid it...

mceveritt · #6 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010

thanks again! will definitely educate myself on fiberglass and get to work!

One other question, should I be sealing/waterproofing the marine plywood I am using before installing on the boat? (especially the back sides that will not be facing outward?) will that keep the wood from rotting for longer? if so, any suggestions on products?

CalebD · #7 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010

The best way to seal/waterproof any plywood you use on your boat is also best achieved using epoxy as a coating. This should be your first project as it is pretty easy to just paint the epoxy onto a board to seal it. If you really want to make it waterproof you can laminate some pieces of fiber glass mat to it once it is coated with just epoxy. Great first project as it is easy once you have mixed up the goop.
SailingDog likes Progressive Epoxy presumably because it is a non-blushing epoxy. I like the West System because of the measured pumps they make that take all the guesswork out of the mixing ratio. Really easy for a beginner.
Sounds like a pretty cool boat by the way; 1967 Bristol Corinthian. My Tartan is from the same year.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalebD

The best way to seal/waterproof any plywood you use on your boat is also best achieved using epoxy as a coating. This should be your first project as it is pretty easy to just paint the epoxy onto a board to seal it. If you really want to make it waterproof you can laminate some pieces of fiber glass mat to it once it is coated with just epoxy. Great first project as it is easy once you have mixed up the goop.

This is a good start... but you do have to remember to coat any holes you might drill through the plywood once you've put it in place. You have to seal all the edges and cut surfaces.

Quote:

SailingDog likes Progressive Epoxy presumably because it is a non-blushing epoxy. I like the West System because of the measured pumps they make that take all the guesswork out of the mixing ratio. Really easy for a beginner.
Sounds like a pretty cool boat by the way; 1967 Bristol Corinthian. My Tartan is from the same year.

I like Progressive Epoxy because it is: 1) A non-blushing epoxy; 2) an easy 2:1 mix ratio which is pretty hard to mess up; and 3) about 61% of the price of West Systems.

A 1.2 gallon kit from West Systems is $112.98. A 1.5 gallon kit from Progressive Epoxy is $86. 25% more epoxy for 76% of the price or $94.15 vs. $57.33 per gallon.... that's pretty much a no-brainer.