Ayrton Oneill
A strake is a longitudinal strip along the side of a boat, usually made by laying panels end to end. They are important structural components and can be made from wood, metal, or fiberglass. Adding strakes to a fiberglass boat can be done by first preparing the boat and removing any extra items from the bottom. Then, you would apply resin and fiberglass/resin mixes in several coats, before finishing with a protective agent like paint.
How to add strakes on a fiberglass boat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a Strake? | A longitudinal strip along the side of a boat, typically made from wood, metal, or fiberglass. |
| Design | The layout of strakes is considered during the design stage to ensure panels of the right size and shape are used, with minimal waste and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. |
| Shipbuilding Techniques | Clinker-built ships overlap panels to create the exterior hull, while carvel-built ships use an internal frame to support a network of flush panels. |
| Narrowing and Widening | The design of strakes typically narrows and widens along the length of the hull. Sometimes, two strakes narrow down to a single panel, called a "stealer," if the end of the boat is much smaller than the middle. |
| Extra Panel | Some boats have an extra panel around the height of the dock to prevent damage during docking. |
| Special Names | The top strip is the "sheer strake," and the panel next to the keel is the "garboard strake." |
| Function | Strakes can be added to increase control and speed, typically found on the bottom of the boat to reduce spray. |
| Fiberglass Boat Process | Prepare the boat by removing extra items, repairing holes, and cleaning the hull. |
| Resin Application | Apply multiple coats of resin, including the seal coat, bond coat, fill coat, and finish coat, allowing adequate time for drying between coats. |
| Sanding | Lightly sand the boat for better resin adhesion, and sand between coats as needed for a smooth finish. |
| Protective Agent | Apply a final protective agent, such as paint or another boat hull finish, according to the package directions. |
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Prepare the boat
Before you begin the process of adding strakes to your fiberglass boat, it is important to prepare the boat thoroughly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the preparation process:
Firstly, you should remove any extra items from the bottom of the boat. This includes the keel, lift stakes, rails, and any other fixtures that should not be covered in fiberglass. It is important to ensure the relevant areas are easily accessible and free from obstruction.
Next, you will need to inspect the hull for any holes or damage. If you find any holes, repair them using an appropriate filler. The process of repairing a hole typically involves cutting out the damaged section, washing and applying a dewaxing solvent, grinding the area with a disk sander, and then applying a laminate or acrylic patch to the outside of the hull. It is crucial to create a smooth and even surface before proceeding.
Once the hull is clear of any obstructions and holes, it is important to clean it thoroughly. Remove any debris, barnacles, dust, dirt, or mould that may be present. A clean hull is essential to ensure the best adhesion for the subsequent steps. After cleaning, lightly sand the hull to create a slightly rough surface, as this will enhance the adhesion of the resin and fiberglass. However, be cautious not to over-sand, as it can cause rippling on the surface.
At this stage, you should also consider the design and layout of the strakes. Typically, the design of the strakes will narrow and widen along the length of the hull, responding to the changing shape of the boat. Decide on the placement and number of strakes you will be adding, ensuring they are positioned correctly to enhance the boat's performance and aesthetics.
Finally, gather all the necessary tools and materials, including resin, hardener, fiberglass cloth or mat, protective gear, and any other specific supplies required for the project. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the process by reviewing instructions or consulting with professionals. By thoroughly preparing your boat and following the appropriate safety precautions, you will be well on your way to successfully adding strakes to your fiberglass boat.
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Apply resin
To apply resin when fibreglassing a boat, you must first clean the hull of the boat. The hull should be clear of debris, barnacles, dust, dirt, and mould. Sand the boat for the best results—the surface should be slightly rough. However, be careful not to over-sand, as this can cause rippling. Next, you will need to mix your resin and hardener according to the package instructions. It is important to pour the solution into a paint tray immediately. After about 30 minutes, the solution should be significantly hardened and ready to apply to the hull of the boat.
Using a foam roller, apply firm pressure and directional strokes to spread the resin evenly. This first coat is called the seal coat. Wait for the surface to no longer be tacky before doing any additional work on the hull. You can then apply a second coat of resin, known as the bond coat. Working from one end of the hull to the other, apply the bond coat over the fibreglass cloth. Before the bond coat sets up completely, remove the material you used to attach the fibreglass cloth to the boat.
The third coat of resin is known as the fill coat. For this coat, you must wait for the previous coat to set up hard. If you have waited a significant period of time, clean and sand the hull again. Finally, apply a fourth and final coat of resin. The finish coat should be smooth and even, but thick enough to allow you to sand the hull evenly without damaging the cloth. Give the final coat enough time to dry, preferably overnight. When sanding, use lower-grit paper at first and finish with a higher-grit paper.
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Add hardener
Adding hardener to the resin is a crucial step in the process of working with fibreglass. The hardener is what cures the resin, so it is important to get the ratio right. If you add too much hardener, the resin will cure too quickly and will be very difficult to work with. On the other hand, if you don't add enough hardener, the curing process will take much longer than usual, or may not even cure at all. The amount of hardener added will also depend on the type of resin you are using. For example, if you are working with epoxy, the ratio is typically measured as 1:1, 2:1, 4:1 or 5:1 by volume or weight, depending on the manufacturer. Always follow the instructions on the bottle for exact measurements.
When working with fibreglass and resin, it is important to take your time and work in small batches. If you mix too much resin at once, it may start to exotherm and get extremely hot, or even start smoking. The room temperature will also influence how fast the resin will begin to harden, so be sure to allow enough time for your project. The time needed will depend on the size of the project and could vary from several hours to several days.
Before adding the hardener to the resin, make sure you have thoroughly mixed the resin itself. Use a tongue depressor or stir stick to mix, and be sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing cup to ensure the resin is mixed evenly. This step is especially important when working with epoxy resin.
Once the resin and hardener are mixed, you can begin to apply it to the fibreglass. Use a spreader or roller to work the mixture into the fibreglass, ensuring an even application. This will help to create a strong bond and prevent any weak spots or fibreglass-heavy spots.
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Sand the boat
Sanding a fiberglass boat is a crucial step in achieving a smooth and flawless finish. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly sand the boat:
Firstly, it is important to clean the fiberglass surface thoroughly. Use a boat soap solution to remove any wax, grease, or contaminants. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before proceeding. Once dry, carefully inspect the surface for any flaws, gouges, or uneven areas that need to be addressed. Determine the level of smoothness required for your project.
Next, select the appropriate grit sandpaper to remedy imperfections while achieving the desired smoothness. Aluminium oxide and silicon carbide papers are commonly used for fiberglass sanding. The grit size will depend on the severity of the surface defects. Start with a coarser grit, such as 80 or 100, to remove heavy oxidation or defects. Then, progress to finer grits like 120 and 220 to smooth the surface for painting or varnishing. When using power tools, use variable speeds to control the abrasion rate, and always move slowly to avoid removing too much material.
It is important to use straight and even strokes when sanding. Apply moderate pressure and allow the sandpaper to do the work. Avoid using too much pressure, as this can cause uneven scratches and require additional sanding. Frequently switch the direction of your strokes to ensure even sanding. For hardware, logos, stripes, and tight spaces, hand sanding may be necessary.
Frequently stop to wipe clean the sanded areas and inspect for smoothness. Ensure that all imperfections are removed and that the surface is uniform. Once you are satisfied with the smoothness, use a tack cloth to remove all dust before progressing to polishing compounds or finishes. Wet sanding the exterior gel coat layer is recommended for a glossy finish. Keep the area wet with clean water during the process to provide constant lubrication. Use a foam sanding block to back up your sandpaper and ensure an even scratch pattern.
By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively sand a fiberglass boat, preparing it for optimal painting, varnishing, or refinishing.
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Apply a protective agent
To protect your fibreglass boat, you can use a spray-on, wipe-off product that will clean, protect, and provide good UV protection for your boat. These products are also anti-static, repelling dust and dirt, and leave a mirror-like finish. For the windshield, many boaters use Kwik Shine, which will also repel rain and water splash. You can also use Premium Boat Shine, which is a durable option that can last up to a year, although it is recommended to apply it in spring and fall, especially if the boat is stored outside during winter.
For the boat's engine cowling, lower leg, and other components like instruments and the compass, you can use Kwik Shine during the season and Premium Boat Shine for touch-ups. Below the waterline, a recommended product is VS721, which will protect your boat's bottom from osmosis blisters and improve its performance. It will also make hauling and launching easier and simplify the cleanup process.
For the boat's interior, you can use Boat Clean Plus to wash the carpets and EZ Vinyl Cleaner and Vinyl Guard to clean and protect your seats.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution to protect the epoxy fibreglass laminate from UV damage, you can consider using a 2-part polyurethane varnish. However, this option will require recoating every few years as the UV protection diminishes. Another option is to paint over the epoxy with a white gel coat, which can provide effective protection if the surface is prepared well with sandpaper.
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Frequently asked questions
A strake is a longitudinal strip along the side of a boat, usually made by laying panels end to end. They are important structural components and can be made from wood, metal, fiberglass, etc.
Strakes can increase a boat's control and speed. They can also cut down on spray, which is a concern for recreational boaters.
The very top strip is known as the sheer strake, while the panel next to the keel is the garboard strake. Many boats also have an extra panel to absorb impact and prevent damage to the hull during docking.
First, prepare the boat by removing extra items from the bottom, repairing any holes, and cleaning the hull. Then, apply resin and the fiberglass/resin mixture. Finally, apply a protective agent such as paint.
Consult a professional before attempting any potentially dangerous or financial decisions. Be careful when sanding the boat, as too much sanding can cause rippling. Make sure to follow the directions on the package when mixing resin and hardener.
