Huub Vlogsvideo

Fiberglass Keel Repair Hurricane Damaged Catamaran

24 November 2024 · 17 min · 45K views · Caribbean

What this video covers

Huub repairs a hurricane-damaged keel on a B36 race catamaran by building up layers of fiberglass matting over a foam core.13:42 After removing the mold used to shape the initial base, the repair area is ground down to allow for an overlap between the new fiberglass and the existing hull structure.0:39 The layup process involves applying a mixture of epoxy and hardener, followed by a final reinforcement layer consisting of one 45-degree biaxial mat and two 90-degree roving mats.4:58 To ensure structural integrity, the team applies the fiberglass in large, single-piece sections to cover the damaged area.5:52 Because the high ambient temperatures in the Caribbean cause the epoxy to cure rapidly, the crew uses vinegar to clean air rollers and considers refrigerating the epoxy to extend working time.7:14 Once the lamination is complete, the surface is roughened with 60-grit sandpaper in preparation for fairing.16:10 The keel symmetry is verified by measuring a 2.29-meter distance from the corner to the base on both sides, resulting in a one-millimeter variance.1:12

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