I just bought a second-hand Mirror and was trailing it back when I hit a bump and the support of the trailer punched a hole through the hull. The 'flap' it created is still in place, attached to one corner, with feathered edges. It measures about 30cm X 10cm.
How should I go about repairing this? Should I try to glue the flap back in place and epoxy over the top? Or should I cut it out and create a new patch?
I am new to this, so any advice will be of great help, including advice on gluing/epoxy. I have a photo if that helps.
This should link to a photo: https://picasaweb.google.com/100546517875232933428/August92015#618104885...
Thanks
David
62816inBerlin
Sun, 08/09/2015 - 17:12
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Photo always helps
If you have a location on which to upload the picture, you can then link it to be shown here.
Unfortunately this involves typing (or cutting and pasting and modifying) some html code as described in the instructions in this thread: http://forum.mirrordiscussforum.org/node/35 .
Cheers,
Gernot H.
Kelly
Mon, 08/10/2015 - 02:33
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Hole in bottom
I'd cut out the hole so that it's a rectangle with straight sides, cut out a patch slightly larger, bevel the edges on the bottom and on the patch, apply thickend epoxy to the bevelled edges and put the patch in place. You can hold the patch in place by placing some weight on it ( a tool box etc). Bevelling the edges is most easily done with an angle grinder with a sanding disk. I've done this numerous times and it works great. Here's a link of a mirror dinghy floor being repaired using this method.
Kelly
Kelly
Mon, 08/10/2015 - 02:34
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here's the link showing the repair method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JcAB1-RzCY
LePort
Mon, 08/10/2015 - 08:11
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Thanks, Kelly. Would it be
Thanks, Kelly. Would it be sensible to glue the flap back into place first as added strength? You can see from the photo that the strengthening strip intrudes into the rectangle which is a bit of a problem.
David
Kelly
Mon, 08/10/2015 - 18:41
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Hole in the bottom
It's actually not necessary. The new piece will replace the broken one and with the edges bevelled it is very strong ( a scarf joint). If you use the old piece the ragged edges are more difficult to get a good glue joint on and is therefore not as strong. I have many pictures of the process being done on my own boats if you'd like to visit my photo album at the Can-Am Dinghy Cruising Association group
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Can-AmDinghyCruisingAssociation/info
Just join the group (I'll accept your membership right away) and go to Mirror 14364's album. There are a number of patches to reference. You could always put fiberglass over the patched area as well if you like - some people like that for extra strength.
Kelly
LePort
Wed, 08/12/2015 - 18:58
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Can-Am Dinghy group
Thanks, Kelly.
I have applied to join the group, but have yet to get a response.
David
Kelly
Sun, 08/16/2015 - 01:05
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Can-Am DInghy group approval
Hi David
I was away for a couple of days - I actually approved it while I was away though and I think it went through...let me know if not. Just drop me a message and let me know if I can answer any questions for you re your boat repair. I'd be happy to help out.
Kelly