Keel sump questions

Posted By: Ryan Haley
Date: 3/17/08 5:42p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Grind off that "lip" before you lay the new glass (link) (Judy B, SF Bay, P19 #266 Redwing, Catalina 27 Bijou)

I agree with Judy, grind the lip down flush. The lip adds no structural integrity to the keel sump. The smoother you make everything before you glass, the better. The mat in 1708 biax is not held in by binders, it is stitched to the fabric. No worries about solubility. I find it much easier to cut the biax to the proper size and dry fit it a time or two to make sure everything is like you want it. Then, lay the biax on a large piece of cardboard with the mat side up. Wet it out and squeegee off the excess resin, then lay it in place in the bilge, smooth out the wrinkles, and roll out all the air bubbles. IMHO, it is much easier to wet out the biax from the mat side. Keep in mind that the 1708 already has mat attached, so you may find six layers a bit much. If it is at all warm, I don't like to lay more than three layers at one time for heat reasons. If you not sure how much to use to get the thickness you want, lay-up a few layers of small scrap pieces to get a better idea what you will have when you roll it out. Good Luck!