Leaky Laser

Has anyone got advice on how to fix a laser with a really bad leak where the deck is joined to the hull at the gunwhale? I've tried levering the crack apart and using epoxy resin which fixed one bit, but it's now developed a very big split further along.  The hull is about to be scrapped but I can't help thinking there must be a way to fix it - like, is there a way of using a very thin router along the whole join instead of levering it apart?

I had this problem with my lase, its very common. Initially i pcked the crack with epoxy and squeezed it shut, unfortunately it came apart again only a couple of weeks later. I put the boat into Ovi's so they could do a 'proper' job on it and they did a very good job indeed. They did basically the same thing as you suggest i think... cleared out the old epoxy from the join and re glued the length of the crack. It was a very reasonable price too.

laser deck/ hull join

Hi,

I have had this problem too, on and of , though not with a Laser but a Streaker. I have managed a temporary repair by carefully sawing between the join with a junior hacksaw blade with the pins at the end knocked out. I glued up with epoxy after the edges were roughened in this way, using Bulldog clips, some-one said if it is a polyester boat then I shoudn't be using epoxy, as it does not stick too well with polyester,  I think boat builders use Unibond or something similiar.I try and avoid levering up my dinghy now if I get it stuck in the mud after a capsize. The leverage forces are tremendous.

Good luck with your repair

djdhi

Originally posted by cbcblaze Thanks guys,  that's helped a lot. I'll try the hacksaw blade method first with polyester resin and Bulldog clips. the boat isn't worth a professional repair so it's my repair or the dump..!

You may be suprised what goes on ebay, especially if someone near you is looking and wants a cheap boat and is prepared to do some work on it.

In my experience though polyester resin works best, epoxy eventually fails.  I was always taught to use the right tool for the job!