Ropelene Repair

[MolarBoater]

Thought we needed to start a thread on how to manipulate,repair, "weld" plastic. It is good to always save your scrap shavings when drilling holes or cut outs from installations. I have used heated Ropelene "plugs" to fill in holes previously made for hand rails on the cc but used a torch which is a little too hot and had some staining of the repair. Not too bad but I know there are kinder ways to heat this material. Dick and others, could you share with us the correct ways to use this material for repairs. I still haven't weighed my Bay 190 but how should I fix the crack developing in the hull? What repairs should only be done by "official" Triumph dealers, etc? I have never felt more confident working with a material, but sure wouldn't want to void warranties. So what have we all learned?

[Dick@merrittmarine]

This is not a easy question to answer. Cracks around the scuppers should be handled by your dealer, since you will need a plastic welder. It's not rocket science , but it takes some practice. Small stuff can be repaired with something as simple as on old style soldering iron. after the weld is complete sand the area with 240 and go to 800 grit paper. When it's smooth, buff the area with a dry lambs wool buffing pad. the heat generated by the pad will being back the gloss.

Were trying to put together a welding kit that will include a welder, plastic welding rod and plastic powder at a reasonable cost, however you will still need a compressor since the welder needs about 2 lbs of constant air. I'll keep you posted.

Dick

[MolarBoater]

So, for a standard hull "crack", would you just drag the soldering iron tip thru the crack or 1/2 way deep into and thru the crack or simply run it real close above the crack to heat weld the plastic together?
I do have a compressor if there is an alternative which would be any better.
How about hull areas that seem hollow? Is there a "foam in a can" treatment that can be made? I'm only kinda kidding here, but that would be a great thing to maybe strengthen hollow hull areas which are possibly more prone to cracking.
Thanks for the advice Dick, Emery

[Dick@merrittmarine]

Emery, Having a Plastic Welder is a great thing, I have seen them on line cheap [ the type used at the factory are around 3k]. I'm not sure about foam in a can, Is it closed cell? If you use it, be careful not to bubble the area with to much foam, a little goes a long way.
The soldering iron trick will not work on a crack, It works good on cuts and scratches, pushing shavings into stripped out screw holes etc.

Dick