Shawnee Hole: Re-Glass Or Patch

[gonetothebuffalo]

Howdy. I traded the River Rat off for a early 2000's Shawnee just before our Memorial Day float on the Buffalo last spring. Our 'group' has been on the Buffalo for 18 years now (Rush to Buffalo City) and I guess all of the years of good luck finally managed to catch up with me. On that maiden voyage of my Shawnee, I managed to put her down at Clabber Creek due to high, fast water and my piss poor attention.

Anyhow, in the 'sinking' I managed to knock a hole in the bottom about mid ship. It was a good piece, probably about 6" in diameter. It also broke loose an old repair by the previous owner that's more of a crack about 7" in length, just about 6" forward of my handywork. Luckily we never put in without a couple of wal-mart-special fiberglass repair kits and multiple rolls of duct tape in DIFFERENT boats Patched her up & floated the remaining 20 miles over 3 days without incident.

My brother knows several of the local river boat makers and one of them told him that they could re-glass the entire bottom for about $450. I've gotta get moving soon & get the thing ready for the spring.

I was thinking this over & wondering if anyone have a supported opinion on whether I'd be better off to just have the two patched areas re-done professionally vs going with a complete re-glass of the bottom.

I can't help but wonder if the re-glass is going to add too much weight. We tend to run these Shawnees with probably 'more' than enough weight already. Would the extra weight be too much & cause it to draw an extra draft? Spots on the Buffalo can get pretty shallow as is with guaranteed boat dragging if it's been dry at all..

Thanks in advance for any sage words of wisdom (yup, I know, stow the beer until past Clabber Creek this time..)

[luv2fish]

If it were me, I would probably repair it myself using west marine epoxy resin and epoxy resin cloth. Do not use just regular fiberglass. Clean off all old repairs and sand the area around the damage, say about 10 in. out, then aplly according to instructions. You could also reinforce on the inside with additional epoxy resin and cloth. Its really pretty easy if your handy.

[wacky worm]

i agree with trying west systems g flex

we have done some cool repairs with it

a complete hole will need layers of cloth and glue and plenty of time and patience

good luck

W W

[taxidermist]

Scuff the area with 36 or even 24 grit. Laminate both sides with polyester resin.. Now understand the resin you buy at walmart has wax in it so it is not sticky after it cures... So you need to wash the area with acetone first, cut out major damage, then sand or grind, clean again with acetone. Lay up the hole allow to cure, sand again and do another coat of matt. then repeat on the top side.