Centerboard Epoxy & Inspections holes

[riverron]

I started fiberglassing my inside centerboard trunks this past weekend and have a few questions about the edges.

1) I assume I need to put some epoxy on the inside edges of the inspections holes? All the other edges look or will be covered with epoxy or fiberglass. With all the talk/concern about this area, I wanted to make sure I was not leaving a opening for water to seep in.

2)The manual states that we epoxy the inside edges of the blocking? Did anyone put more than 1 coat on the inside edges of the blocking facing the centerboard?

Any other areas to make sure get some epoxy?



Thanks
Ron

[ddemasie]

My advice -

In general - every surface of my wood got at least 2 coats of epoxy for a good water seal. Inside the centerboard trunk is really important because after you put it together - you'll never have easy access to the inside again to repair any leaks in the epoxy coating. The Akoume plywood is light and strong, but the downside it that wicks water and rots if it gets wet - coats of epoxy are the best way to stop water seepage into the wood.

Also you should put a couple of applications of epoxy in the inside rims of the inspection port. - The inspection ports get covered with plastic covers,(apply the 3M Marine caulk on the entire inside surface around the covers to stop water leaks from the centerboard housing into the bilge at the inspection ports), - but even so, it is best to get a good epoxy seal on the inside of those inspection holes.

[riverron]

Thanks Dennis. I will plan on coating at least 2 coats. My gut told me that was probably the case, but I wanted to get some confirmation.

Thanks
Ron