Andrew Pace
Fiberglass is a common material used in boat building and repair. It is a type of fibre-reinforced plastic that is created by combining glass fibres with a synthetic polymer, typically epoxy or polyester resin. This combination results in a strong and lightweight composite structure that is well-suited for boats. When building or repairing a boat, one can choose from a variety of fiberglass cloths and resins available in the market. These materials can be purchased from local marine supply stores or online retailers like Amazon and Fiberglass Warehouse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online Retailers | Fiberglass Warehouse, Amazon, Fiberlay, RAKA, System Three, West, Greenlight Surf Co., Elliott Foam |
| Online Marketplaces | Reddit, Amazon |
| Physical Stores | Local marine supply stores, local marine repair shops |
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What You'll Learn
Marine supply stores
One reputable marine supply store is Fisheries Supply, which has been in the business for over 50 years. They offer a comprehensive range of fibreglass supplies, including fibreglass cloth, tape, epoxy resins, and repair kits. Their website provides detailed information about their products, ensuring you find the right materials for your project. Fisheries Supply also has knowledgeable representatives available to assist you in selecting the appropriate materials and providing guidance throughout your boat-building or repair journey.
Another option is West Marine, which offers a diverse selection of fibreglass repair materials, including well-known brands like WEST SYSTEM, Evercoat, and 3M. Their product range includes resin and resin hardeners, fibreglass cloth and tape, gel coat repair kits, resin additives, fillers, putties, and vacuum bagging kits. West Marine's website allows you to check product availability at specific stores, ensuring you can find what you need at a location near you.
In addition to these specialised marine supply stores, some local marine repair shops may also offer fibreglass supplies. These shops often have the necessary materials for boat repairs and can be a convenient option if you're looking for smaller quantities or need more immediate solutions. It's always a good idea to explore the options in your local area and compare prices and product availability to find the best deal.
When purchasing boat fibreglass from marine supply stores, it's essential to consider the specific type of fibreglass and epoxy resin required for your project. These stores typically carry a range of products suitable for different applications, and their staff can provide valuable advice to ensure you make the right choice. Whether you're building a new boat or repairing an existing one, marine supply stores are a reliable source for high-quality fibreglass and related accessories.
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Online retailers (Amazon)
Amazon offers a wide range of boat fibreglass products, including repair kits, fabrics, and raw materials. For those looking to repair their boats, Amazon offers the 105-K Fibreglass Boat Repair Kit, which includes epoxy resin and is suitable for small repairs. The kit has received positive reviews for its ease of use, durability, and clear instructions.
In addition to repair kits, Amazon also provides a selection of fibreglass fabrics specifically designed for boat building and repair. These fabrics are available in different styles, such as the Style 1800 Plain Weave, and come in various sizes, like 5 yards by 60 inches. The fabrics are made from high-strength epoxy and polyester resin, ensuring their durability.
Amazon also offers a variety of raw materials and tools for boat fibreglass projects. This includes body repair putty, body repair tools, duct tape, and painting supplies. Some of the brands available on Amazon for these products include Fiberglass Supply Depot, Fiberglass Warehouse, MECCANIXITY, and Owens Corning.
For those seeking a more comprehensive solution, Amazon provides the option to purchase a fibreglass roller tools kit, which includes a bubble roller set ideal for boat repairs. This kit is sold by Lanpn-us and fulfilled by Amazon. Additionally, Amazon offers a wide range of fibreglass cloth options, such as the 6oz 50sq feet E-Glass Plain Weave Glass Fiber Cloth, suitable for boat repairs and sold by NEZUIBAN with Amazon fulfilment.
With a variety of products, brands, and customer reviews, Amazon is a convenient and informative option for those seeking boat fibreglass supplies.
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Local marine repair shops
For instance, Northwest Fiberglass Inc., located in Tomball, Texas, has been providing restorative boat services since 1997. They offer gel coat repair, fibreglass boat repair, metal flake gel coat restoration, painting, and complete restoration services. Their boat deck repair professionals are skilled in fixing various issues with fibreglass boats.
Another example is American Boat Works, which has been in the fibreglass boat repair business since 1982, serving the Tarpon Springs area. They handle insurance claims, factory warranty work, and custom fibreglass boat building. Their technicians are trained in new fibreglass boat construction and the repair of composite structural damage, ensuring professional and quality repairs.
Furlan's Marine in Gautier, Mississippi, is also experienced in handling fibreglass repair work. They work with their customers to create custom fibreglass repair solutions and have successfully completed unique projects, such as integrating a jet ski into a wooden boat to create a JET drive hybrid.
When considering a local marine repair shop, it is beneficial to read reviews and testimonials from previous customers. For instance, American Boat Works has received positive feedback for their helpfulness, great customer service, professionalism, and fair pricing.
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Specialist boating forums
One user on the iboats forum recommends finding a donor boat for parts, as buying all new parts can be very expensive. They also suggest buying resin, mat, and cloth from a local boat shop, as staff will be able to provide advice and show examples of work in progress. Another user recommends buying in bulk from local fibreglass shops to save money, although they caution that bulk resins and other Hazmat materials can only be bought by a distributor and may incur extra delivery fees.
For those looking to repair soft spots in fibreglass boats, the iboats forum also has a dedicated thread with advice on how to fix these issues. One user recommends using #300 and #21 Epoxy to fix rotted wood stringers, while another suggests using an aluminium patch and stainless screws to repair holes in the hull.
In addition to iboats, other forums such as Reddit's r/boatbuilding also provide advice on where to buy fibreglass and other boat-building materials. Users recommend checking local marine supply stores and marine repair shops, as well as online retailers like Amazon and US Composites.
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Google searches
A simple Google search for "where to find boat fibreglass" brings up a variety of options for purchasing fibreglass for boats.
One option is to search for "
Another option is to purchase fibreglass from online retailers, such as Amazon, which sells aerospace-grade fibreglass fabric for boat-building and repair. Fibreglass Warehouse also sells a range of fibreglass products, including resin, tape, knitted fabric, and repair kits, which can be used for boats, RVs, cars, and trucks.
For those looking to buy in bulk, Greenlight Surf Co. offers discounts on short rolls of fibreglass, which can be used for boats, surfboards, and auto repair.
It is worth noting that some boat builders have reported a shortage of expanding foam, so it may be worth purchasing this when it is available.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find boat fiberglass at a local marine supply store.
You can buy boat fiberglass on Amazon or Fiberglass Warehouse.
Boat fiberglass is used for boat building and hull and deck repair and reinforcement.
There are different types of boat fiberglass available, including fiberglass cloth, fiberglass rollers, and fiberglass resin.
