Reinforcing ABS hull

[G Doggett]

I want to reinforce the ABS hull on my BBY V26 Charger with a layer of fibreglass mat or even carbon fibre, but am not sure of the best 'glue' to use.
The usual method of attaching anything to ABS is CA, but for such a large area will epoxy or polyester work if the ABS is roughened up first ?
Graham.

[Fluid]

Mix up some 20-30 minute epoxy, than add about 15% drugstore alcohol (90%+ is best) and mix again. This thins the epoxy so it can be applied with a paint brush. Lay the cloth where you want it, then use a 1" disposable paint brush to paint the cloth with the thinned epoxy. Use enough to completely soak the cloth, and paint the epoxy at least 1/2" past the edges of the cloth. The ABS does not need to be sanded but it does need to be oil-free.

I have used 3" and 4" carbon fiber 'tape' to stiffen several ABS hulls, it works great. fiberglass lacks the stiffness of carbon and adds more strength and weight than stiffness.


.

[LJH]

GD,
Just went through this on my new OM29, I went with Randy's sugestion of using CA and it worked out well. I used 2oz glass and sprayed it down with a thin coat of 3M #77, worked the glass into the strakes and then CA'ed it down.

Cheers,
Jim