Sail Life · video

What this video covers

Mads repairs a hurricane-damaged fiberglass tramp ramp on a catamaran project boat by removing water-logged polyurethane foam and corroded aluminum mounting bars.3:19 He replaces the foam core with lightweight Kusa board and reinforces the structure by laminating custom fiberglass angles to the sides.8:08 To ensure rigidity without excessive weight, he uses a combination of 45-degree biaxial and unidirectional fiberglass cloth.12:25 He adheres the new angles to the ramp using Total Boat Thixo thickened epoxy.15:37 The repair process involves significant grinding of new fiberglass, for which he utilizes a 3M TR-300 powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) to manage dust exposure.4:27 Although the repair adds approximately eight pounds to the foredeck component, the structural integrity is restored for future anchor roller installation.8:26 The project concludes with the Coast Guard approving the registration waiver, clearing the final legal hurdle for the purchase of the vessel.17:29 Structural reinforcement of composite parts can be achieved by replacing foam cores with rigid board and adding custom-molded fiberglass flanges.

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