Glen-L.com

hi, im thinking of just glassing the bottom and a little above water line. im building little hunk. what do u tink,huh huh what do u tink the + OR - would be? thanks mike

I am betting the sides will see as much wear as the bottom, which is why I will cover them with fiberglass as well.

Its more work now but less work later when I rub up against a pier or trailer or rock or something.

_________________
Ian (aka Iggy)
My Malahini Build

There actually has been quite a bit of discussion about whether to glass above the line or not.

In the end it may be more personal preference and usage of the boat. If you have a tendency to make contact with hard objects (not suggested) then an extra layer of protection would be advisable. If you are building cold molded with strakes and concerned about strake movement, then glass may be advisable.

If you are painting, then your ability to apply glass clear is not a concern but if you question your ability to apply glass clear on a bright boat then glass may not be advisable. That was my choice. I still do not trust my ability to lay clear glass. So far, my boat has about 25 hours of break in which includes a lot of rough water but except for some epoxy expansions nothing has moved.

So in the end, it really is up to you. The classics of old did not have glass and fared rather well over the last 100 years.

Now how is that for using 200 words and not answering your question.

_________________
Dave

My Riviera build - the Midnight Cry Project

Video of Midnight in Action
Blog

Few things in the world measure up to the thrill and satisfaction of boating in a boat that you built.

What would be the advantage of NOT glassing to the gunwhale ?
Surely it wouldn't be a significant cost saving over the life of the boat ?

_________________
-Brian

"Do or do not. There is no try."
- Yoda

ok thank u ill glass the whole thing