Does anyone know what material should be used to fill the large hole in the hull around the bronze strut on my 367? I'm talking about the molded recess where the strut attaches to the exterior of the hull. I'm doing epoxy repair work on the hull right now and it was very easy to chisel out the existing packing around the strut that felt like a hard plaster. The strut is in fair condition and is not loose, so I don't intend to replace it right now. It doesn't seem like a good idea to fill the recess with epoxy filler because it will be a nightmare to get out if I ever have to replace the strut.
If you don't want to use epoxy then a polyester filler (Bondo) could be used. Polyester absorbs water but it can be coated with epoxy to prevent that. Bondo type products are readily available in automotive departments, WalMart for example.
I just did this same repair & used epoxy with fairing filler West System, I think the filler that was in mine was original so I figure in thirty years time I am probably not going to be too worried about how to get the material out of there. (I can lay there looking down from the islands in the sky and say yes that was me who did that as the new owner cusses at the idiot who would do such a thing!!) I think epoxy is the way to go, be sure and get those pesky bolts nice and tight before you fill with what ever you decide to use.
See Prop shaft strut
« on: October 09, 2010, 03:20:29 AM »
I had photos posted there!
Ed
S/V Moonlight Mile Hull 110
Home Depot does a short strand Bondo (containing a short strand glass fibre) which is waterproof. I use it for all sorts of jobs. It says on the tin that its for boats as well as vehicles It is quite quick at setting so you need to work fast.