Introduction/ Hull repair

[aaronrank78]

Hello! My name is Aaron Rank and am the proud owner of a Com Pac 16. This boat  was parked for many years in a Field, and is in need of nothing short of a reserection. I'm the kind of person who likes old things, and am in the process of saving it.  The boat was in a small grass fire while sitting in the Field, and suffered many blisters on the bottom of the boat. I do not believe this damage was from osmosis. I have removed most of the gel coat from below the water line and found the fiberglass was in good shape.  Sanding off the gel coat was a real pain, and I was thinking of inverting the boat to do the rest of the repair. It would be much easier to apply epoxy and fair the hull with the boat upside down. Has anyone ever tried to do this? I was thinking of flipping it and shoring the boat on blocks. I don't want to damage the boat, is the weight an issue?

                                               Thanks, Aaron   (Washington Island, WI)

[spaul]

Hi Aaron,
It doesn't matter where the  blisters came from now if  you've sanded through the bottom gelcoat. I believe I'd use epoxy to fair this thing back into shape. You could use polyester and then when fully cured apply an epoxy shield coating but why not just use one coat of epoxy.
I have done what you propose by flipping a 19' boat and working the bottom from what is then above
I don't have the 16 but would believe you'll want to support this thing perhaps with large inner tubes or at least from the outside flange area where the hull will be the strongest. Sounds like an interesting project that you'll be proud of. Keep us informed, take pictures and post often. We now know who you are and what you're doing so be careful.

Good luck,
Steve Paul
cp27/2
"IM PAUl SIVE"

[TroyVB]

Welcome aboard Aaron!  It sounds like you've got a great project.  I too like to bring back the old things.  I would no hesitate to turn the CP16 over if you can support it well.  I would fair the bottom and then epoxy barrier coat.  Then give her a coat of paint she'll be sweet.  Congrats on the boat.

[Paul]

Welcome to the forum.  If you go to the members' gallery, you will see me scaring myself with the very same project.  I have not posted photos lately.  I am following the Gudgeon Brothers recommendations from West System Epoxy.  For such a large project and potential expense, I'd not skimp.  You'll also see how I support my 16.  You may want to careen it and do one side at time.  I don't have a good place to do that, so I am doing it under the carport.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Paul

[aaronrank78]

Thanks to all of you with the replys! I'm sure I will have many more questions as the time goes on. Paul I cant seem to find the pictures of your project. can you tell me where I need to go?
                                                                                   
                                                                                 Aaron