Cracked Oneman

Hey elijah,
It sounds like the cracks are large enough that you will need some reinforcement. Fiberglass & epoxy would work well assuming it's a epoxy fiberglass boat.
I would sand the area around the cracks until the gelcoat is removed, but not so deep that you sand through the fiberglass. Try to feather the sanded area. Then apply a layer (possibly 2 if needed) 6oz fiberglass to the area using epoxy. Once that is dry, it should be strong and usable. Although it would be good to at least paint it with something as the sun is not good for epoxy.
To make it look nice, I would sand it once more, then fill it with thickend epoxy so the surface is smooth and level with the area around the patch. Then sand it again until you have a smooth, fair surface or repeat the step until you're happy. Then prime and paint it and you'll be done.

I've been pretty brief on my explanation, but that's the general process I learned in the serveral repairs I've done with guidance from my dad, Steve Gates. You can read a couple helpful articles he wrote on this subject here: http://www.ocpaddler.com/Topic8.html
I might also suggest searching google for more info on using epoxy and fiberglass if you're not familiar with that. Feel free to ask any more questions in this thread, and perhaps others may have some comments,suggestions, etc. Hope this helps.
:)

#1 Wed, 11/12/2003 - 11:05am

[quote="Anonymous"]so keizo, no resin? just epoxy and glass. ill look for info on how to use epoxy with class. so im basically just glueing fiberglass over the crack?[/quote]
Basicly yeah, but be sure you get it sanded through the gelcoat before you apply it.
Polyester resin would probably work, but it will likely have bonding problems in the future so it's not recommended. read the articles I linked to for more on that.
Also I'm not sure what kind of epoxy to get, it's usually two parts of some ratio. Do not get the five min kind in a tube.. I don't know whats available to you, but some popular names include System3 or west systems.
good luck

#3 Wed, 11/12/2003 - 3:07pm

Hey, Keizo.

I just bought an OC-1 last nite. The ama leaks and has large cracks in it. I'm wrestling with the idea of buying another one or repairing it. Does your dad do repairs and if so, how do I get in touch with him?

Thanks.

#5 Thu, 11/13/2003 - 10:25am

[quote="elijah"]two more questions. prime with what? where can i get more gel coat? is that just marine paint? ok 3. should i use mat or cloth?[/quote]
The paint used by my dad was a type of car paint. So you might ask around at a body shop or car paint store for recommendations. You may not really need to prime, but thats how we did it.
Also gelcoat is not a paint. It's a type of polyester resin. If you just try to put that on, it will likely chip of after some time because of the bonding issues of polyester resin. Thats the reason to use epoxy and to paint it.
On the fiberglass, definitly use cloth. I don't think chopped mat has the same strenth to weight properties.

While probably not pertaining to you, I did find an article for gelcoat scratch repair that may be useful for some. Check it out here: http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/02.htm
Remember this is only recommended for scratches where there is no actual crack in the underlying fibers and the carbon or fiberglass is not exposed. And even then, you need to apply styrene, so that the gelcoat forms some sort of chemical bond to itself. If you don't apply styrene it is simply a mechanical bond that will likely chip off.

#7 Thu, 11/13/2003 - 1:35pm

[quote="Snarfblat"]Hey, Keizo.

I just bought an OC-1 last nite. The ama leaks and has large cracks in it. I'm wrestling with the idea of buying another one or repairing it. Does your dad do repairs and if so, how do I get in touch with him?

Thanks.[/quote]

Hey, I assume this is used? If it's new, I would ask the manufacturer to pay for a repair or replacement.
My dad has done repairs on Kaua'i for the past 3 years, and has had extensive experience with epoxy and composites in the last 15 years. He's grown a great reputation on Kauai, but is now moving to Tonga believe it or not. For those on Kaua'i, if you don't already know, Kamuela (sp?) has taken over the shop.

I assume you're on Oahu? Would anyone have any recommendations? I don't know what new amas go for, but a repairing might a lot cheaper than an entire new one. Just be sure it's a quality repair.

#9 Thu, 11/13/2003 - 2:45pm

[quote="mikegordon"]ok, dumb question time: the epoxy mix you're talking about is different than the resin/catalyst mix (with fiberglass cloth) normally used to repair surfboards? does the epoxy have a hardening component? thanks.[/quote]
Hey Mike
yes, there's an epoxy resin and a hardener. Most canoes now days are manufactured using epoxy. Be sure to check out the articles I linked to above if you haven't already.
I dug this up on google from an email group that explains some things: http://lists.samurai.com/pipermail/trawler-world-list/2002-August/050640...

#11 Fri, 11/14/2003 - 8:05pm

Call me lazy, but whenver I need repairs done to my Viper I always take it to Karel. I had a nasty accident off Magic Island last Memorial Day - looked like a shark bite :shock: It was only at Karel's place for about a week. Not only can you not tell where the damage was, but I never have a drop of water in the canoe when I take it out of the water.

#13 Fri, 01/16/2004 - 1:35pm