Will the high temperature of Epoxy curing damage fibre-glass hull?

[tlandauer]

I want to put a transom doubler, the hull has no reinforcement, it is a MHZ Lizard Extreme. The inside contour is neither flat nor straight. No ply-wood will conform to that shape. I thought of pouring a generous amount of 30 min. epoxy to "flow" the ply-wood so that there will be no gap in between. I am worried about the hight temp when the curing process is taking place, anybody has any inputs? How do you guys solve this kind of problem?

[SirBudman32]

You could do what I used to do to my airplanes, make the doubler out of plywood then soak it in water for about a hour. Then take it and put it in the boat and clamp it in place, let it dry and then it will take the shape of the transom. Glue it in and done.

[Fluid]

As long as the hull's fiberglass is reasonable thick you should not have any problems. I've done this on several hulls by pouring in epoxy up to 1/4" thick at the transom without problems, and have watched others do the same. If it worries you then stand the hull upright in a tub of water resting on the transom. This will eliminate any potential for warping by keeping the fiberglass cool. Just seal any holes with tape.

[photohoward1]

don't use 30 minute. Use a longer cure and you won't have a heat problem. Heat might warp it.

[siberianhusky]

I've done the same thing but mixed the epoxy with some finely chopped glass strands from the hobbyshop, figured I might as well get some more strength out of the epoxy, had about a mayo consistency so it still flowed some.
The tub idea is a good one, a fan will also work if you block up the hull so you get airflow over both sides, if it's a lot of epoxy I think I'd try that tub trick! Gotta remember that one.

[anthonyniel19]

Well you can do what actually I am generally use when I am making my plane, you can make the doubler of plywood then soak it in water for an hour. Then you should clamp it for making dry. It will get the shape of the transformer. Fix it with glue and give the final finishing so that it look very attractive.

[Alexgar]

I like the water idea but a fan worked fine for me using fg resin which i think hets even hotter

[tlandauer]

Thanks guys, for all the great advices!

[tlandauer]

I am going to use Westsystem epoxy, got the whole set, figured I might as well make the dive. It cures much slower and i don't have to worry about the heat build up, and should be stronger as well. Thanks again!