Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 30-03-2023, 17:28   #1
Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Texas
Boat: Baba 35
Posts: 381
Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

Folks,

I could really use some advice on adding a layer of glass to the deck after removing the teak deck.

I understand the basics of laying and wetting fiberglass but I could use some advice on type of fiberglass to lay. Should I try to cut huge single pieces or patch it together? How thick?

Right now there is a good layer of glass down already but I of course had to drill a million holes that I filled with epoxy so I would want to put a layer down over it. This would be more for sealing most of the deck rather than strength.

The foredeck triangle between the most forward cabin porthole and the bowsprit moves up and down a bit when I jump on it so I definitely want to strengthen that. Extra layers? One thicker layer?

I apologize for any resemblance my post has to disjointed rambling.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
ttex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 17:57   #2
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,388
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

If your deck flexes, the core is quite likely wet and rotten, which would not be at unusual with an old teak deck that needed removal.

You have a much bigger repair in front of you than just sealing holes. Adding any reasonable number of layers of glass to the upper surface will not make the deck significantly stiffer.
SailingHarmonie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 18:01   #3
Registered User
 
Celestialsailor's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Back in Northern California working on the Ranch
Boat: Pearson 365 Sloop and 9' Fatty Knees.
Posts: 10,466
Images: 5
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

One question that comes to mind is what are you glassing to? Is it plywood or glass/cored decks? If the later, a thorough sounding to determine any core delamination. That repair would have to be done first. I have done that repair and did it from the top.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: Wow - what a ride!"
Celestialsailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 18:29   #4
Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Texas
Boat: Baba 35
Posts: 381
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

I have already drilled and filled all the holes with epoxy. The core is not rotten anywhere that I am aware of after I have fixed the spots that were rotten.

The foredeck still flexes.

I would being fiberglassing to fiberglass. The deck is fiberglass-balsa core-fiberglass. All of the deck is stiff except the foredeck and it barely flexes. From what I can tell it is not from the core being rotten but I am open to having my mind changed. I am not an expert but I am pretty good at this sort of stuff.

I have visually seen the core every few inches in every spot of the deck. I did this personally. All of it.



This is what the deck looks like currently.
ttex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 18:44   #5
always in motion is the future
 
s/v Jedi's Avatar

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: in paradise
Boat: Sundeer 64
Posts: 18,757
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

I recommend you use something like a 12 ounce biax. The stitched bi-directional is easier to finish than a woven cloth and it still reinforces.

I also recommend to use epoxy resin for better adhesion and water barrier.

https://www.jamestowndistributors.co...t-detail/97481
__________________
“It’s a trap!” - Admiral Ackbar.

s/v Jedi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 18:46   #6
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,388
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

If the core is good, then don’t expect to make it stiffer by adding fg. Just seal it. Do not try to do it with huge pieces, but work in easy to manage sections. You certainly do not to add a lot of thickness. If you have good structural integrity, all you are doing is bridging the holes. The exact layup is not going to be critical.
SailingHarmonie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 19:23   #7
Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Texas
Boat: Baba 35
Posts: 381
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

Appreciate everyone's input so far. I'm trying to do the right things the first time and I have been almost paralyzed with making the decisions to move forward on this deck.
ttex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 19:40   #8
Registered User
 
Scubaseas's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Seabroook Texas or Southern Maine
Boat: Pearson 323, Tayana V42CC
Posts: 1,501
Images: 1
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

Get a copy of Dave Gerr's "The Elements of Boat Strength" to understand how sandwich construction works. It shouldn't be springy if it's a Baba. If the deck is delaminated it would though.

What are you ultimately putting down or what look are you going for?

You could seal each hole with a small patch but life is too short to spend that kind of time. I doubt adding cloth of any kind will stiffen it much but Id try's a layer of 1708 stitchmat, then unidirectional thwartship then a veil mat (.5oz csm) as a top coat to hide the weave. The bias on the 1708 is at 45* so with Uni you'll get good tension strength in all directions without too much thickness or weight. But that's just me shooting from the hip. Read Gerr. For non springy areas just use of veil mat.

Support the deck from underneath. If it's springy you do not want to walk on the resin until it's fully cured. You can make the last coat of resin dry by entraining air. Plastic sheet works or spray on PVA. Or paint works too. Another way is to add a small amount of stearate wax to the final coat of resin but then you need to remove the wax before applying anything on top of your laminate.

If you use epoxy get some peel ply.

Vinyester is almost as strong as epoxy and will chemically bond with polyester which is probably what you have. Epoxy is good but make sure it's not exposed to UV for long periods and look up amine blush. I've used USComposites in Miami to good effect. Great pricing on Reichold resins . Vinylester is substantially cheaper than epoxy.

Are you on D dock in Seabrook by any chance?
Scubaseas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 19:49   #9
Registered User
 
Scubaseas's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Seabroook Texas or Southern Maine
Boat: Pearson 323, Tayana V42CC
Posts: 1,501
Images: 1
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

Ooops. The Unidirectional usually doesn't come as stitch mat so you would go:

1708 stitchmat , .5oz CSM, Unidirectional, .5 oz CSM.
Scubaseas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 20:12   #10
Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Texas
Boat: Baba 35
Posts: 381
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

Yes we are on D dock.
ttex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 20:17   #11
Registered User
 
Scubaseas's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Seabroook Texas or Southern Maine
Boat: Pearson 323, Tayana V42CC
Posts: 1,501
Images: 1
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

Small world. Want to borrow my moisture meter?
Scubaseas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 20:23   #12
Registered User
 
Scubaseas's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Seabroook Texas or Southern Maine
Boat: Pearson 323, Tayana V42CC
Posts: 1,501
Images: 1
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

PM sent.
Scubaseas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 22:39   #13
Registered User
 
Celestialsailor's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Back in Northern California working on the Ranch
Boat: Pearson 365 Sloop and 9' Fatty Knees.
Posts: 10,466
Images: 5
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

Quote:
Originally Posted by ttex View Post
The core is not rotten anywhere that I am aware of after I have fixed the spots that were rotten.

The foredeck still flexes.
I have visually seen the core every few inches in every spot of the deck. I did this personally. All of it.

Might I ask how you fixed the areas that were rotten? Regardless if you are just glassing over, I would use Poly-ester resin with 1707 Bi-cloth. I doubt it will do much for the flexing forward. You might need a beam under the area.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: Wow - what a ride!"
Celestialsailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-03-2023, 23:17   #14
Registered User

Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Portland, Oregon USA
Boat: Island Packet, Packet Cat 35
Posts: 943
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

I'd be amazed there is no damage below. You may or may not have fixed everything. Rot is insidious.

You've gotten ggod advice so fr. Another vote for 1708.

Poly/Vinyl or epoxy. Epoxy more expensive. Epoxy is an exact measurement of hardner to resin. Poly you can adjust the catalyst to the temps you're working on. If you are at 60 degrees and below, do not use poly. It will get hard but never cure. This info comes from the manufacturer. Epoxy is exothermic. I've put it on in freezing temps. It will cure but will take weeks.

As far as putting either system on. Get a huge piece of cardboard. Wet the cardboard a bit then put the fg on it and roll out the resin. Flip the piece over and make sure you have no dry spots. Normally you fold said fg in thirds and go lay it down. On large pieces I've rolled it then unrolled it. Mke sure you start with the finish side down. Wet it out then flip so finish side is up. Finish wet out. If you roll or fold it you'll have the mat side down when laying it on.

I use the west systems rollers. They work with epoxy amazingly well and I find my wetouts are much better, more thorough and I use less material.

I question previous post saying vinylesther is almost as strong as epoxy. I'd have to see solid decimation on that.

I find baby wipes work really well for clean up. Read the ingredients and buy the ones that have citric acid as the 1st or 2nd ingredient on the list.
Cpt Mark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-03-2023, 05:48   #15
Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Texas
Boat: Baba 35
Posts: 381
Re: Advice needed : glassing the deck after teak removal

Quote:
Originally Posted by Celestialsailor View Post
Might I ask how you fixed the areas that were rotten? Regardless if you are just glassing over, I would use Poly-ester resin with 1707 Bi-cloth. I doubt it will do much for the flexing forward. You might need a beam under the area.
I just got on my hands and knees and started digging out core until it wasn't rotten anymore. Then I filled in the hole with thickened epoxy. If the hole was big enough I put wood in as a filler. There was only one spot that big though. Most of my issues were around the chain plates. As far as I can tell the entire cabin wall is hollow. That is the wall where the portlights are. I dug out the rotten core and left it hollow.

After that I sanded it all down smooth.
ttex is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
Advice, deck, removal, teak

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Need advice: Teak Deck removal and what to do about the toe rail Raphdiaz Construction, Maintenance & Refit 13 04-03-2021 20:40
Cal 21, need advice: glassing Deck-to-Hull Joint, & Deck Hardware Steel Type sailorthing Construction, Maintenance & Refit 1 10-06-2018 17:16
teak deck removal + glassing over epoxy filled holes Hoghead Construction, Maintenance & Refit 18 04-07-2016 14:05
Glassing Hull-to-Deck Joint Captin_Kirk Construction, Maintenance & Refit 15 04-03-2010 11:31
Glassing-Over Hull / Deck Join E229 Construction, Maintenance & Refit 3 21-01-2010 06:42

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 20:04.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.