20 inch crack on side of SN SJ...Need Repair Advice

nightrider05

nightrider05

Location
St.Louis Missouri
Well..my buddies SN SJ started taking on a bunch of water towards the end of the year, and we now know why.

There was a small crack that had been repaired before he got the ski...that crack grew to nearly 20 inches. Its on the right side about an inch below the bond line...up around the battery area. Im guessing a previous owner was hit or something. There is nearly a 1/4" gap that water was coming in.

The previous person that repaired it must have used polyester resin...the old repair job peeled right off. We have some US composites Epoxy resin left over from a foothold job I did last week so we will be using the correct resin.

However, my only options for the fiberglass material is what walmart sells. What stuff should I use? I know they sell a lighter mat, and also a real heavy cloth...Im not sure how many layers and of what type of mat to use in this situation.

Also, what should I use on the outside of the hull?

The crack has already been cleaned out..going to grind the ribs down in that area before reinforcing that whole side. It doesn't necessarily have to be pretty..but needs to be good enough so the crack stops growing and the hull does not take on water.

Also is it a good idea to drill both ends of the crack? Thanks!
 
Ericfox

Ericfox

Do it twice?That's DooDoo
Location
Akron area --> OHIO!
use the epoxy from us composites and try to use biaxial glass.... order from us composites too... drill round circle as mentioned... you can get the outside smooth by using a mix of epoxy with something... there are options but call the guys from US Composites... they are really nice and dont mind spending time with you on the phone since you are buying stuff and will tell you how to do it right with the right materials... I have done the same thing you are doing... came out awesome

If you want you can use the heavy stuff from walmart and use the aerosil/cabosil you have leftover from putting in your footholds for the outside mixed really thick with epoxy... if you used that stuff

oh and try to do all the glass work at the same time so it all bonds together... its easier than sanding again
 
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T

TB

NOTHING IS EVER PROMISED
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
i have a piece of carbon fiber here big enough to reinforce that side of the ski with so you don't have to worry about it cracking more....and some cabosil i can throw in a flat rate box and send your way for free if you want it
 
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