Re-glassing Fuel-tank Hatch

[SkunkBoat]

a lot of real boats have hatches that don't screw down. they have drain channels formed in the deck that go to scuppers overboard. The core of the hatch is nowhere near the edge.

The pink foam works (with epoxy NOT polyester)as long as the bond is good. So does end grain balsa and vinyl honeycomb.
Having a strong core is a backup for bond failure.

 

[DennisG01]

The pink foam works (with epoxy NOT polyester)

Yup! Poly would just melt it.

 

[Hookup1]

I want more shear strength in the core. I’m not taking any chances! Don’t want to have to do over.

Same logic I use with polyester vs epoxy. My time is worth more than the cost difference.

 

[DennisG01]

I want more shear strength in the core. I’m not taking any chances! Don’t want to have to do over.

Same logic I use with polyester vs epoxy. My time is worth more than the cost difference.

I hear 'ya. I posted my experience for information/reference/ and the "hmmmm" factor. I'm in no way "recommending" using foamboard to anyone else - I relaize it's not the norm. But it is quite interesting how well it's working. As I eluded to - on this hatch, I could rebuild it in just a couple hours so I wasn't worried about the time factor. But again - that's just me!

 

[SkunkBoat]

FYI the grady pulpit is foam core.

 

[Ekea]

FYI the grady pulpit is foam core.

for what years?

 

[Hookup1]

I have a 1997 Islander. My factory bow pulpit is filled with some hard fill material. Feels like resin mixed with sand! In the photo ignore the repair and look at the block sitting on top with the other stuff that was removed. The soap bar sized chunk is a fill material the GW used. Heavy and feels like Corian or some other fake rock. Its actually the corner under the bang cap that broke off.

 

[SkunkBoat]

for what years?

When I drilled my 2000 265 for a capstan I got yellow foam in the center of the hardened filler and the glass. No wood til you hit the core of the deck

 

[Hookup1]

GW probably outsources parts like pulpits, hatches and hardtops to different builders.