What's the best adhesive for fixing seams??

[Sparky-rc]

Help!! What's the best adhesive for fixing the top to bottom fiberglass seam. I know plain old epoxy will work, but what is the best remedy? The damage was from shipping. Thanks in advance.

Tom

[Ub Hauled]

I would try CA glue first if it fails they I'd go for thinned epoxy...
make sure that you open the gap wide so the CA can reach all the
nooks it can.

[Raydee]

There is some stuff from 3M that my friend and other boat builders used when they seamed the top and bottom halves of the hull. I can't remember the name but it is like a black silicone that dries kinda hard and is tough as nails. I think its 5300 or something like that.

[Raydee]

Here is the stuff.

http://www.shop3m.com/60410009488.html

[Viking]

5200 by 3M

This is great stuff, I use it on full sized boats all the time, and on my Motorhome.
BE ADVISED---THE REGULAR STUFF WILL TAKE A WEEK TO SET UP---They make a fast setting version, that may only take a day to set up,it comes in black, white, brown, too.
My advise would be Epoxy. tape the hull tightly together then tape the seams so they won't leak. Mix some Epoxy resin with a thickener (micro baloons, available at hobby shops) so it doesn't run too fast. make up an ounce. Pour it into the hull along the seam then let it run around the seam inside the hull, keep the boat moving untill it stops running. Then stand the boat on her nose so any excess will strengthen the nose. Leave it over night before removing the tape.
Good Luck - anything fiberglass can be repaired, almost.
Viking

[Viking]

5200 Again

On second thought, 5200 would be real hard to get in those seams and if you have never used it, it is real messy and gets everywhere. It is kind of rubbery too and wouldn't sand smooth AT ALL !! you can't sand it.
Go with epoxy
Viking

[Sparky-rc]

Thanks for all the replies. I was thinking epoxy in the crack, and maybe JB Quick, or even Bondo on the outside, and to rebuilt the tip, as long as it is going to be painted.

Great advice Viking, pouring down the inside, and standing it on it's nose. Thanks again.

Tom

[Viking]

Cracked

The voice of experience speaking.
Ya know.?
If you do a nice job taping it up the thickened epoxy will leak out and fill most of the damage on the outside too. Try using 1 1/2"-2" masking/painters tape along the seam. And lots of strong stuff to keep the cracks closed.
Viking

[JimClark]

definately use something to thicken the epoxy.
I use West System 406 Colloidal Silica
product description below
406 Colloidal Silica is a thickening additive used to control the viscosity of the epoxy and prevent epoxy runoff in vertical and overhead joints. 406 is a very strong filler that creates a smooth mixture, ideal for general bonding and filleting. It is also our most versatile filler. Often used in combination with other fillers, it can be used to improve the improve strength, abrasion resistance, and consistency of fairing compounds, resulting in a tougher, smoother surface. Color: off-white.

[Dr. Jet]

My advise would be Epoxy. tape the hull tightly together then tape the seams so they won't leak. Mix some Epoxy resin with a thickener (micro baloons, available at hobby shops) so it doesn't run too fast. make up an ounce. Pour it into the hull along the seam then let it run around the seam inside the hull, keep the boat moving untill it stops running. Then stand the boat on her nose so any excess will strengthen the nose. Leave it over night before removing the tape.
Viking

I agree, however, I would add a bit more. Use the 4:1 mix ratio epoxy from DMC (or West Systems), and paint some of the (rather thin) epoxy into the crack and "work it" so the epoxy flows into every little crack and crevice before taping it up; then add the thickeners to the rest of the epoxy you have mixed up and proceed as above.

[Sparky-rc]

Wow, you guys are a wealth of information. Many thanks for all the replies. I'll let you know how it turns out as soon as the boat gets back to me. Thanks again.

[JimClark]

another thing that works well it to slightly thicken some and load it into a surringe and open the crack up and shoot a bead of the epoxy into the crack.

Jim