On Wed, 17 Mar 2004 12:27:38 -0800, "Steve" wrote:


"rhys" wrote in message
.. .
On 17 Mar 2004 09:29:27 -0800, (jsheesley) wrote:

Do you guys have any advice, tips or tricks for laying up fiberglass
overhead?

Besides "avoid it like the plague"? Yes, but beware, it ain't a pretty
process.

I agree with the AVOID IT recommendations. I have done some core repairs
from below deck and learned a few lessons.

The best way to do it if you can, is to do the core repair from above. Leave
the interior glass alone and cut out sections of the topside deck.. Dig out
the bad core, glass in a new piece and glass over that, building everything
up to the original thickness.

Of course using this method, you will have to find a way to restore the non
skid pattern.. I'm still trying to figure a way to salvage the old patterns
and epoxy them back down onto the repair.. The boats I have worked on using
this method, had to have core repairs in numerous areas and needed new non
skiding anyway..

I completely agree, but I don't have the money to get the top layer
repaired professionally, and the hassle below decks is worth from the
point of view of cosmetic integrity. I can easily carve away at the
top and not waste or spill a drop, but it isn't going to be pretty.
Watertight, smooth and stronger than factory new, yes. Pretty, no.
Matching 30 year old gelcoat is a mug's game. Might as well redo it
all, kill a summer and put Treadmaster over the lot.

Ew.

R.