Fiberglassing the sides?

I have considered this.  Is it recommended?  I usually see it mentioned in articles, forums, and blogs as optional.  I will be painting the sides.

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on February 12, 2011 at 5:53am

Jordan:  If the boat is made with DF PW  I suggest you FG the sides because they will develope checks fairly soon and the paint job will not hold up.  If you oil the inside the checks don't look that bad.  Merranti, Okume etc  hold paint well without FG.  I presume you will FB the bottom and up over the side/bottom a few inches  using graphite/epoxy. My current Peapod build(Merranti) has no FG on the planking but will have Dynell on the bottom and garboard plank- as the grand kids will be dragging it over the beach at times.

Good Luck

Permalink Reply by Jordan Davis on February 12, 2011 at 11:40am
If FG is not required, what about a layer of epoxy for the side both inside and out?  I will be fiber glassing the bottom and have considered using a layer of kevlar under the final coats of epoxy/graphite.  I am using a mahogany based ply for the sides and DF Marine on the bottom.
Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on February 12, 2011 at 1:09pm

Since you are using a good mahogany PW on the sides I see no advantage to laying on a coat of epoxy.  It will cost more, not add anything strength wize, will have to be sanded smooth to get a good looking surface for paint, and I don't think it adds any more "waterproofing" than a good paint job.  I like to prime with the same paint thinned 10-20% on the first coat, then second primer coat thinned 5-10%. Sand with 220-320 grit after priming and between 2 final coats of full strength right out of the can.(light sand between coats.)  There are 1000's of boats here on the coast that have never had the first touch of epoxy coating and they do quite well wiith normal maintenance.I have a  Peapod that sits on it mooring from May to Oct and has the paint job  described above.   Just my .02 worth- others may have differing  methods but this work for me.

Good Luck

Permalink Reply by Ben Kittell on February 12, 2011 at 2:33pm

Can you fiberglass over the screws you use on the sides and bottom? Or is there a reason for not fiberglassing and epoxing over...

 

Permalink Reply by Jordan Davis on February 12, 2011 at 7:20pm
This is a good question and leads me to another.  If painting the sides, which should be used, ring shanks, or screws?
Permalink Reply by justin nicola on February 12, 2011 at 10:10pm
not really answering you, but aside from aesthetics, what would be the benefit of ring shanks?  personally i prefer screws to nails in almost any application.  less wood tear out, less splintering, and better holding power.  not to mention the inevitable bang marks from the hammer (thats the technical term anyway).  someone please correct me if im wrong...
Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on February 13, 2011 at 5:08am

Nothing "wrong"  with screws or ringshanks.  Ring shanks are cheaper, faster,hold just as well as screws.  As to the "dings" in the hull- don't use a 16 oz framing hammer.  I like a 6-8oz ballpein and light hits.  Then when you get close up on the nailhead/wood surface use a flat ended punch to sink it home. If you miss- thats what fairing compound is for.

Good Luck

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