Embedded Reinforcement Material
Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2017 8:11 am
I am in the middle of a complete restoration of a 1965 Boston Whaler 13. I have the gel coat completely stripped off and am down to the fiberglass. There are a couple of areas where I need to attach equipment with screws into the fiberglass: two handrail mounts; and the combined sidelights navigation lamp. I have opened up the fiberglass in these areas with the intention of installing material behind that will allow me to screw into it. I will then go back over with new glass on top and encase it all.
I have two options in mind:
--install some type of backer board. If I choose wood, I am concerned that water penetration could be a problem in the future. Also, will it hold the hand rail mount well. I considered [Whalerboard] or some composite, but I don't know if the screws could have a tendency to strip out with this method;
--fill the cavity about 1 inch deep or so with Marine Tex or some other reinforced epoxy.
What are your thoughts on these? Do you have any other recommendations?
I have two options in mind:
--install some type of backer board. If I choose wood, I am concerned that water penetration could be a problem in the future. Also, will it hold the hand rail mount well. I considered [Whalerboard] or some composite, but I don't know if the screws could have a tendency to strip out with this method;
--fill the cavity about 1 inch deep or so with Marine Tex or some other reinforced epoxy.
What are your thoughts on these? Do you have any other recommendations?