Leaky Laser
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4175
Printed Date: 14 May 25 at 4:04am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Leaky Laser
Posted By: cbcblaze
Subject: Leaky Laser
Date Posted: 11 May 08 at 10:14am
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?
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Replies:
Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 11 May 08 at 5:58pm
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Have you tried using epoxy resin as well as fibreglassing over the top using fibre glass webbing to hold it and stop it spreading. (only a suggestion, not had to do it myself) ------------- |
Posted By: 29er397
Date Posted: 11 May 08 at 6:21pm
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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. ------------- http://www.kielderwatersc.org - Kielder Water Sailing Club |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 11 May 08 at 8:52pm
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Epoxy isnt the right glue for lasers you should be using polyester resin i think! Try cleaning out the crack with a junior hacksaw blade first and make sure its bone dry befor you glue. ------------- |
Posted By: djdhi
Date Posted: 11 May 08 at 8:52pm
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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 |
Posted By: cbcblaze
Date Posted: 11 May 08 at 9:21pm
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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..!! cheers, Angus....
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Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 11 May 08 at 9:24pm
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. ------------- |
Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 11 May 08 at 10:12pm
Lasers are polyester, but epoxy can be used for repairs on polyester. The reverse isn't true though. |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 11 May 08 at 10:16pm
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In my experience though polyester resin works best, epoxy eventually fails. I was always taught to use the right tool for the job! ------------- |
Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 12 May 08 at 7:34am
| Epoxy failure's usually an indication of poor surface prep or deviating from the mix ratio on the pack. |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 12 May 08 at 8:52am
Polyester isn't really an adhesive though, so will never be great either. I don't know what the big shops use, maybe something like sikaflex. |
Posted By: cbcblaze
Date Posted: 26 May 08 at 9:46pm
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Ok - here's the outcome of what happened.... The crack in the joint had opened up wide enough to allow me to get in with a grinding tool on my Dremel. I used two different sizes - the tool looks like a wee ball on the end of a stick and it carved it's way nice and cleanly through the joint without ever straying from the crack. I cut down to about 8mm depth in most places - less if the material seemed strong, and right through to thin air if weaker or crumbly. I mixed polyester resin with colloidal silica powder until it had a paste consistency rather than liquid. Hopefully the filler will give it some resilience and less brittleness. One side of the boat had a 2mm gap to fill but the worst bit on the other side had opened up to 4-5mm. I filled it proud of the surface then sanded it back flat the next day. I was going to reinforce the wider gap with a couple of layers of tape and resin but it seems to be a strong enough join. Once on the water I may be proved wrong - as someone pointed out, the forces are strong when capsized or in waves. If it opens up again, I'll repeat the filling but will add the tape. water trials this weekend... cheers, Angus.... |
Posted By: cbcblaze
Date Posted: 11 Jun 08 at 9:00pm
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latest news - this is turning into a blog but , hey it may be useful to someone: The first repair didn't last, it split in a force 3-4 in waves - too much flex and stress. Not one to give up , I took things to the next stage which is pretty drastic - rapair crack again, then drill 5mm holes at 10 cm intervals and rivet. then fair the rivet ends with epoxy filler and cover the whole with fibreglass tape and resin. In my garage the repair looks strong but only time will tell. Next test on the water is Saturday - this must work !! otherwise the scrappy beckons....
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