Why is it important to repair fiberglass?
Fiberglass entered the boat and yacht manufacturing industry in the 1950s, allowing the creation of more durable, watertight, and resilient vessels while reducing production costs and enabling mass production.
We moved from wood to this incredible material, and fiberglass-reinforced polyester (FRP) became the driving force behind a movement that allowed many more people to own boats and yachts.
Today, fiberglass is present in the vast majority of vessels, making it essential to understand the types of damage it can suffer and how to care for it properly to extend the lifespan of your boat.
What is fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a material made from glass filaments used in the construction of a boat’s hull (the part in direct contact with the water). It is very lightweight, flexible, and can take on countless shapes, such as grids, tubes, meshes, or entire fabrics.
Although it is less critical in large vessels, which usually have thicker hulls, fiberglass becomes essential in yachts and smaller boats, where the weight-to-strength ratio is vital for optimal sailing. It allows for higher speeds, greater stability, and better thermal insulation.
Finally, in addition to its physical benefits, this material has low electrical conductivity and is non-magnetic, allowing radar signals to pass through. These properties, along with its long lifespan, explain why fiberglass is so widely used in the nautical world.
Damage to fiberglass in boats and yachts
As mentioned, fiberglass has high strength and a long lifespan, but that doesn’t mean it is indestructible. Wear from sailing and exposure to seawater, as well as docking at piers, gradually degrades the fiberglass covering your boat or yacht and can eventually lead to more serious damage.
The most common types of fiberglass damage are:
Osmosis
Possibly the most typical and common type of deterioration. Osmosis occurs when there is an osmotic pressure between seawater and potential impurities in the hull from its manufacturing. This pressure creates small bubbles or blisters in the fiberglass coating, which can grow over time if not repaired. If left untreated at a shipyard, it can eventually lead to delamination.
Depending on the severity of the osmosis, a shipyard will recommend different solutions. These range from applying an epoxy resin to a completely new coating. It is important that, whichever option is chosen, the repair is carried out by a fiberglass repair expert, like those at Barcelona Nautic Center. Doing it yourself may be cheaper but carries no guaranteed results and could even lead to more severe damage in the short term.
Cracks
Improper use of anchors and chains, rubbing against piers, or even putting stresses on the boat that it was not designed to handle can cause cracks in the fiberglass hull. If the hull is not properly maintained and repaired, these cracks can lead to more serious damage and allow water to enter the interior of your boat, as the waterproofing is compromised.
One of the most important areas to monitor is the joint between the keel and the hull, since any impact on the keel is transmitted to the hull and can cause such damage.
Fiberglass care
The best care for your fiberglass hull comes from expert hands. For this, it is ideal to take your boat or yacht to a specialized shipyard like Barcelona Nautic Center, where, in addition to advising you on the hull, you can have a full inspection of your vessel to ensure it is in good condition.
However, there are some day-to-day measures you can take to extend the lifespan of your vessel:
Wax and polish: These are key to keeping your hull looking like new, especially if it is a dark color that tends to fade over time.
Hull inspection: It is important to check the hull for cracks, scratches, chips, or other damage to the gelcoat or fiberglass. If you notice any issues, it’s best to repair them promptly, so a visit to the shipyard is recommended.
Monitor for osmosis: As mentioned before, one of the most common problems is osmosis. You should check your hull for blisters, which are the main indicator of this issue.
Repair and refit: The best way to keep your fiberglass hull in perfect condition. Regular inspections at your shipyard will ensure your entire vessel is maintained, not just the hull. This should be part of your routine to avoid long-term problems.
Dry docking: Water naturally causes constant wear on your boat or yacht’s hull. For this reason, storing your boat on land when you won’t be sailing for a season is the best way to extend its lifespan.
Where to repair your fiberglass?
The best place for any repair or inspection is a shipyard with multiple specialists, such as Barcelona Nautic Center.
We are experts in fiberglass, repairs for second-hand boats, rigging, mechanics, and much more. Contact us to get to know us and see how we can help you and your vessel.