[Rhodes22-list] Fiberglass repair techniques & maintenance

[Michael D. Weisner]

Lou (and everyone else),

Thank you for the excellent recommendation to purchase Don Casey's great text entitled Sailboat Hull & Deck Repair (hardcover, 1995) ISBN:0070133697.  I purchased it on www.half.com (eBay) from  fantastic_shopping (highly recommended) for $11.18 + $3.70 shipping - arrived in 1 week (brand new condition) and I have been reading it cover to cover.  Throughout the book all I could say was "Ah, that's why that didn't work!"  Casey takes you through repair and maintenance techniques including the magic and pitfalls of using all sorts of epoxy and caulking materials.  Whenever I went down to West Marine to buy stuff, I knew that the suggestions from the sales help were worthless but I truly never knew the difference between the products - their strengths and weaknesses.  Casey says that other than as a very specialized gasket usage (with plastics), avoid silicone caulk, unless using it as a worm to catch fish.

Great book - should be read thoroughly and regularly by any serious boat owner, especially those of us who own older products.  NOT JUST FOR REPAIRS BUT ALSO ANNUAL MAINTENANCE to keep your investment in good shape and seaworthy.

Thanks again for the great recommendation.

Mike
s/v Shanghai'd Summer