BoatworksToday · video

What this video covers

To cast a fiberglass part from a mold, Andy uses 1708 biaxial fabric and 2-to-1 epoxy resin, prioritizing the epoxy’s longer working time over the faster-curing polyester resin.8:15 To prevent the fabric from shifting during the initial layup, he lays the dry 1708 directly onto the PVA-coated mold before saturating it with epoxy, rather than wetting the mold surface first.13:10 He manages complex corners by cutting slits in the fabric to allow for overlapping pleats.15:09 As a precaution against the part bonding to the mold, he drills four holes in the corners of the mold to allow for the injection of compressed air during extraction.16:17 After the layup cures, he uses water to dissolve the water-soluble PVA at the edges and compressed air through the drilled holes to successfully separate the part.21:03 While the exterior surface shows air voids, these are confined to the sacrificial first layer and can be sanded and filled.19:34

More from BoatworksToday

I Was Wrong About My Boat's Victron Wiring (You Were Right!)Sep 2026Will This Entire Victron Electrical System Fit In My Little Boat?Aug 2026The Primer Mistake You're Probably Making Painting Your Boat: Film Thickness, Not Smoothness!Aug 2026V-Berth Electrical Layout On A Small Sailboat: It's Tight, But It Should Work!Aug 2026

From BoatworksToday — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.