I have a crack in the hull of my fibreglass day boat 2 berth its approx .125" wide and runs for about 2 feet ,its on the fibreglass covered rubbing strake on the boat bottom ,can you advise on the brand of filler to be used ? when filled and cured should I glass over this? I would then use filler over the glass ,rub down and antifoul the lot ,can you advise please

John Hogan, December 2008

If you think there could be a local weakness in the hull, add a doubler patch on the inside of the hull too. Use glass cloth and West epoxy, the patch should be similar thickness to the hull and extend well past the crack. Be sure to get the temperatures right (read the instructions).

Steve, February 2009

Grind the crack to a "v" angle and sand. Only use fiberglass epoxy resins/materials below the water line.Mix resin and the filler(silica) then glass over. Use resin and a fairing filler to smooth out.Best bet is to use WestSystem.Pick up the catalog for the right type of resin/hardener/fillers.Temp sensitive and a long cure8-12hrs.

Ian Taylor, December 2008