See full version: How to build a fiberglass boat
BUILDING THE EZI-BUILD FEMALE MOULD
If you are considering building a chine hull such as a power boat, single or double chine sail boat or similar craft, you should consider using the “Ezi-Build” fibreglass technique. There are two main Ezi-Build methods - one where you build an inexpensive female mould and lay up the hull in that mould and another where you pre-make the hull panels and assemble them inside a simple frame mould.
For panel construction, the system of building the female frames and setting them up on a set of bedlogs, is similar to the methods used when building an Ezi-build mould. Only a few battens are required to hold the frames square and vertical. The technique of setting up the basic framework to hold the fibreglass panels is similar to the first stages of building the Ezi-build mould. The fewer battens required and the absence of a mould lining material, are the main differences between the Ezi-build and the Panel methods. here
The most common one-off boat building technique is the Foam or Balsa Sandwich building method which involves the use of a frame and batten mold over which is laid either semi-rigid PVC foam core or balsa sheets that are sewn into the mold. The outer skin is laid up over this. The foam core comes in varying thickness, usually 4 ft x 2 ft x 3/4" / 1.2 m x .6 m and the 3/4" / 20 mm is used for boats up to say 45ft / 13.7 m LOA. The foam is now more widely used for boat hulls and we have found it easier to use and provided you choose the correct grades it will provide the basis for a long lasting hull. [links]
System Three SilverTip more
You won’t find this resin in any stores. Poxy-Shield© epoxy is formulated to our exact specifications to be easy for amateurs to achieve professional results. Because we sell in high volume, you’re assured of fresh stock with a long shelf life. By dealing directly with raw material suppliers, the “middleman” is eliminated. The cost savings is passed on to you. For more information on POXY-SHIELD see the EPOXY pages on our site.
Many beginners are hesitant about working with fiberglass and resins. Actually, the work is easier than most people think. But to do the job properly does require following instructions and doing a little reading to get the most from the products while avoiding the pitfalls. That’s why we offer a DVD and several texts specially prepared by our staff of naval architects specifically intended for the amateur. They include:
Every FIBERGLASS COVERING KIT is a complete package specifically prepared for the Glen-L wood/plywood design you are building. Most Kits include material for the outside of the hull: bottom, sides and transom. Some specialty boats include additional material. See design pages for information about a specific design. Kits include:
The trouble with fiberglass mat/resin is that 90 degree angles are difficult. [links]
I have a 1982 28 ft Topaz. There are two hatches in the deck that provide access to the rudders and shafts and struts. The hatch lids sit on a flat piece of fiberglass. There is no built in gutter so any water that seems through the seem goes into the bilge. I want to build a gutter for the hatches.
What is the best way to build the mould? I have heard of such a thing as moulding epoxy. Is this the right terminology?
You could do the Same as Chris says with Cardboard, or 1/4" Plywood too. more
Re: how do i make my fiberglasss boat shine again? here
From personal experience. I wouldn't buy one of those $20 buffers from Wal-Mart. I tried that on our last boat and never could get the oxidation off. I have the porter cable 7545xp now and it works like a champ! I had the best luck with the 3M cleaner compounds. Once you get the oxidation off, apply some polish, then wax on top of that. Even with a power tool, you'll get a little tired. I had to break it up into sections over a couple days, but the job was much easier for me and she looks REAL purrrtttyyy. more
Bottom line is that glitter boats get all unglamorous after a few years, and are very expensive to restore to original appearance. here
Re: how do i make my fiberglasss boat shine again? [links]
Re: how do i make my fiberglasss boat shine again? here