I have been involved in labour of love with a 40 ft steel hull for more years than I care to mention.I have finally retired(early) and can now devote the time necessary to finish the project. I am almost at the stage where I can begin to paint the hull and am concerned with the  fairing of some of the plates which are distorded from the original welding. I intend to apply an epoxy paint primer and then use a suitable product to make the hull more aesthetically pleasing than I suspect it would be with the final shiny coat applied as it is at present. During the course of ownership of this vessel waggishly known as HMS Rustbucket or HMS Neversail by some of my friends(?) I have read numerous books and articles in an attempt to extend my knowledge of boat construction and fitting out. So much so that I can now not remember where I read a particular article concerning the use of an epoxy filler using micro balloons and a comb like applicator prior to sanding. I also recall that the author of this particular article recommended the use of sanding board made of a long thin strip of wood about four inches wide and two to three feet long (from memory) similar to a plasterers derby, but flexible, with which to more evenly sand a curved surface.

I would appreciate the benefit of anyone's superior knowledge in this area and particularly any information leading to the unearthing of said article.

Thanks for anything that you have

Dave Lloyd

Hi-just a question-do you need to go to expense of epoxy based fillers as opposed to polyester based fillers?-bearing in mind that strength is not required.For these in bulk whether out of a tin or to make up with resin and talc try Glassplies of St. Helens(just google name).Also they are very good on advise on anything to do with these products.Believe they now have online much of their technical info.

One other question-back in early 1990s I shared a jetty on the River Wyre with a Dave from Fleetwood who last time we spoke around about 1995 was taking on a bare steel hull-Bruce Roberts or similar-not the same Dave by any chance?

Phil

Don't know the merits and demerits of epoxy as opposed to polyester, but will check out the link for further information thanks.

In answer to your other question the hull is in fact a Bruce Roberts design, but sadly it has never been further north than somewhere in Wales where I beieve it was put together. Wrong Dave unfortunately.

Hi-just checked Glasplies again-you will need to order catalogue but has loads of info on all sorts of glassfibre techniques from boats thru roofing;casting garden gnomes and the like;they supply onwards to a lot of specialist glasfibring firms.

Sometimes seem a bit old fashioned in things like their web site etc. and have a rambling old warehouse Southport-not St.Helens!-but do know their products.

Phil 

PS -for anyone interested in steel just recently came across an old 50 ft MFV style Motor Sailer mooored nr. Fortrose on the Moray Firth-a beautifully faired round chine-interesting as plates are welded diagonally swept from deck down and backwards to keel and not a sign of a frame being reflected in plate distortion as is often the case.

Royal Naval vessels are terrible for this-you can see where the frames are as distortions in surface plating.

Phil

Thanks again Phil

Dave Lloyd

You may want to try east coast fibreglass supplies www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk they is loads of info to read

Bought recently - good guys..

Beware using polyester fillers below or around the waterline, they expand a lot when exposed to moisture and all your hard work will be wasted as it will either look dreadful or fall off, I'd pay the dosh and go epoxy any day.

BTW it is possible to rent/hire air compressor driven long boards!

If you have a lot to sand, this will not only make it a lot easier to fair up the filler, but will give you a superior result.

You would need to contact a specialist coachbuilder (trucks/horseboxes etc) who would I'm sure tell you where they can be hired from!