Frank Boettcher wrote:
Just talking about repairs here. I'm not promoting steel as the best
boat building material.

It's certainly very practical for some types of
boatbuilding. I'm not trying to say it isn't.



.... And you're right, it is a matter of
perspective and circumstance, what's in your skill bag. I've done
both (although never to repair a holed hull with either) and my
druthers would be to weld a repair.


Part of my point is that people go with what they know. I am
not a welder.

It also seems to me that materials & tools for fiberglass
repair are much simpler & cheaper & easier to carry around
than materials & tools for welding; for that matter,
materials for fiberglass repair are available at Home
Depot... so is some welding stuff, of course...

As for learning, it's easily possible to teach people to do
first-class fiberglass molding in two or three days. The
problem is that they're not likely to be diligent enough
once teacher is gone, and somehow it does not seem to be the
type of work that most people take pride in... "Gee, it
looks just like *real* fiberglass."

The result is that most fiberglass workers cut corner when
they shouldn't and the repair is weaker (especially if it
involves a secondary bond). That's one of two reasons why I
do it myself (and it also proves an old old saying).

As for the motorcycle/welder connection... ain't the world a
funny place!

DSK