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DIY Fiberglass Hardtop for My Sailboat | No Plans, Just Chaos
9 November 2025 · 22 min · 15K views
What this video covers
Nova Loman constructs a custom fiberglass hardtop for her sailboat using a DIY mold made from thin boards and plastic piping.▶ 0:08 To provide structural integrity, she integrates plastic pipes along the arch and front sections, which also serve as splash rails and non-slip foot supports.▶ 5:29 The fabrication process involves layering fiberglass mat and polyester resin, followed by extensive sanding and spackling to smooth the surface.▶ 9:49 Because the work occurs in late autumn, Loman uses a 3-kilowatt heater to maintain temperatures sufficient for the resin to cure.▶ 16:51 She attaches the finished structure to the boat deck by sanding away the existing gel coat and glassing the hardtop directly to the vessel.▶ 11:54 Due to cold weather and time constraints, the final painting and window installation are deferred until spring.▶ 16:13 The project prioritizes functional utility over cosmetic finish.▶ 10:20
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