fairing and filling [Citrene]

[tomslade]

Hello
Well most of the paint is off the hull. Now turning my thoughts to fairing and filling. A few questions....
What products do you guys use? I am familiar with using west system on grp but does wood require anything else such as a primer? Also looking for something cheaper.
Should I remove all previous filler / epoxy, especially on screw heads?
Any top tips?
Cheers

A few pics
Progress so far
https://www.flickr.com/photos/129843684 ... ed-public/

A few holes / gaps for filling
https://www.flickr.com/photos/129843684 ... ed-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/129843684 ... ed-public/

[jpa_wfsc]

Looks like quite a lot of wood needs replacing before you use filler... from what I see on the photos, the centerboard case needs to be removed, then the inner hog replacing, then refit the case. Otherwise, the loads on the case will cause flex which would crack most any filler.

When you fill, I prefer west epoxy with micro-spheres to make a strong, resilient filler. I once tried a cheap resin which as a disaster - it just set rock hard but brittle. To ensure it sticks, wet the timber with pure (mixed) epoxy just before spreading the filler. Get the filler on before the wetting coat dries!

Much cheaper to buy in bulk from a specialist fibreglass supplier than from any of the chandlers - those small packs are very profitable! I have bought from http://www.cfsnet.co.uk.

[tomslade]

Thanks for the advice.
Removing the center board case seems like a big job but am willing to give it a go.
From what I can see the inside of the centre board case is bare wood, if I took it apart should I paint it or leave it naked?

[JimC]

if I took it apart should I paint it or leave it naked?

Absolutely it needs to be treated. I'd use epoxy rather than paint, and if you use epoxy with a good dollop of graphite powder in the mix in the top coat it should be lower friction and better wear resistance.