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Air chamber flotation
Compass
Dinghies
Electrical
Fall Haul-Out
Fiberglass
Hardware
Lettering and decals
Misc. gear
Oars
Painting
Rib work
Rudder and Tillers
Running Rigging/
Lines and Sheets
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Spinniker Poles
Spring Launch
Standing Rigging
Trailors
Varnishing and
Brightwork
Woodworking

Fiberglass

DEFINITION
Fiberglass is as much art as it is science. It requires multi-faceted attention to correct surface preparation, shaping, installing in layers, time of curing and consistency etc. Fiberglassing is extremely temperature sensitive.

These are the most typical applications:

1. Deal with hull/ deck flange under the rub rail: (stapes, U-Channel etc)
   Do’s and Don’ts – Multi-step process.
2. Hole in the boat – repair flat area (seat or other areas where you can only get access to ONE side)
   Do’s and Don’ts – Multi- step process.
3. Hole where you can get to both sides (bow hole)
   Do’s and Don’ts – Multi- step process.
4. Structural supports such as “knees” to support deck.:
   Do’s and Don’ts – Multi- step process.
   a. diagnose piece to be replaced
   b. varnish 6 sides (with particular attention to
   end grain which absorbs varnish)
   c. fiberglass the piece separately)
   

ALERT/WHY

• Critical to have clean and dry conditions of the prepared area
• Heat and light lamps must be used in cold indoor or outdoor space. They can be used to help cure a batch overnight.
• Tip: wear 3 pairs of Latex gloves before you begin the work, then just peal one glove off at a time as it becomes sticky and not functional during your work cycle!

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience- demonstrated prior competency.
• Power tools for surface prep
• Understanding timing of 2 part epoxy
• Art of different types of filler/powder additives to alter working characteristics of resin and shaping demands.
  

KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
Joel Klein - team Leader 02
Ken Lovecky – team Leader 02
Jim Condon
Jay Owens

LIBRARY

West System inventor’s the Gougeon Brothers: Fiberglass Technical Manual.
www. ________

CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER TEAMS

• Hardware sets standards and maintains parts list
• Fiberglas is done BEFORE any other boat work.

TOOLS

MATERIALS

EXPENDABLES

Draft 1 - 10/26/02