Lesson 1Sealing and reintegration: through-hull fittings, bedding practices, sealant selection and torque sequences for reassemblyThis part shows how to refit through-hulls and hardware, pick bedding, apply sealant right, tighten fasteners in order, and check watertight, stress-free reassembly.
Evaluating and sizing through-hull fittingsChoosing polysulfide, polyurethane, or siliconeSurface prep for reliable bedding adhesionSealant application and torque sequencesLeak checks and post-launch inspectionsLesson 2Initial preparation and isolation: securing the vessel, removing fittings, masking, cleaning the repair area and preventing contaminationThis part explains securing the boat, removing or covering nearby hardware, cleaning and degreasing the area, controlling dust and spray so laminate stays clean for good bonding.
Stabilizing and shoring the vessel safelyRemoving hardware, trim, and nearby fittingsMasking strategies for decks, hull, and hardwareDegreasing, detergent washing, and solvent wipesDust, overspray, and airborne contaminant controlLesson 3Internal structural repairs: assessing and repairing stringers, bulkheads and local reinforcements — scarfing, tabbing, bonded inserts and fastener strategiesHere you'll check damage to stringers, bulkheads, reinforcements, then plan scarf joints, core changes, tabbing, inserts, fasteners to bring back stiffness and load paths safely.
Inspecting stringers, floors, and bulkheadsRemoving rotten core and rebuilding websScarf joints and structural tabbing detailsBonded inserts and backing plate designFastener selection, spacing, and sealingLesson 4Laminate rebuild strategy: layer schedule, fabric orientation (biaxial/unidirectional placement), overlap rules, wet-out procedures and typical ply counts for midship hull patchLearn to plan laminate layers, pick fabrics and directions, set overlaps and joints, count plies, and wet-out well for strong, smooth midship hull patch or panel fix.
Reading and recreating original laminate scheduleChoosing biaxial, woven, and unidirectional fabricsOverlap, taper, and edge staggering rulesHand layup and wet-out best practicesTypical ply counts for midship hull patchesLesson 5Fairing and finishing: grinding sequence, fairing compound selection, fiberglass veil/surfacing layers, gelcoat application methods (spray, brush, paste), polishing and color match tipsThis part covers grinding and fairing steps, picking fairing compounds, using veil or surfacing fabrics, applying gelcoat by spray, brush, paste, and polishing to blend repairs unseen.
Progressive grinding and surface refinementSelecting and mixing fairing compoundsUsing veil cloth and surfacing layersGelcoat application, thickness, and cure checksSanding, polishing, and color matching repairsLesson 6Opening and preparing the damaged area: grinding patterns (scarf, V-groove), bevel angles, how much laminate to remove and rationaleThis part details safely opening damaged laminate, picking scarf or V-groove, bevel ratios, not cutting good glass, preparing clean textured surface for rebuilding.
Mapping crack paths and hidden damageChoosing scarf versus V-groove approachesBevel ratios for hull, deck, and structural areasGrinding tools, discs, and dust collectionFeathering edges and final surface profilingLesson 7Drying and decontamination: techniques to remove moisture from laminate and core (heat, desiccants, vacuum) and verifying dryness with metersThis part covers finding moisture in skins and cores, using heat, air, vacuum, desiccants to dry, and checking dryness with meters and samples before rebuilding laminate.
Locating wet laminate and core zonesHeat lamps, heaters, and controlled airflowVacuum bag and desiccant drying techniquesSalt, oil, and contaminant removal methodsUsing moisture meters and confirming drynessLesson 8Controlling cure conditions: temperature, humidity, use of accelerators or retarders, post-cure methods and monitoring exothermLearn how temperature, humidity, thickness affect curing, use heaters, tents, accelerators, retarders, watch heat buildup, and post-cure for max strength and stability.
Resin pot life, gel time, and cure stagesTemperature and humidity control methodsManaging exotherm and thick section buildsUse of accelerators, retarders, and promotersPost-cure schedules for strength and print controlLesson 9Resin selection and compatibility handling: bridging existing polyester with vinylester/epoxy, using barrier coats, and minimizing blisters or adhesion failuresHere learn to pick polyester, vinylester, epoxy for repairs, check fit with old laminates, use tie coats, barriers, cut risks of blisters or bond failure long-term.
Identifying existing resin and laminate typeWhen to choose polyester, vinylester, or epoxyTie coats and barrier coats between dissimilar resinsPreventing osmotic blistering in repaired areasAdhesion testing and troubleshooting bond issues
