> I fiberglassed the inside hull of my Guillemot Coastal this morning. The
> next time I will definatly put a coating of epoxy on the bare wood and let
> it cure a few hours before putting the fiberglass on. I got alot of
> bubbles that I am goingh to have to fix. It seems that the staple holes as
> they fill with epoxy let go of the air inside and it comes to the surface
> but can't get past the fiberglass.

> I am a little frustrated but glad for the lesson.

Don't rush to fix this problem. First figure out if the air bubbles are going to be in hidden areas, or in visible areas. Use a tape measure and some masking tape to determine roughly where the cockpit will be. Measure, put down a dab of tape, and mark the tape with a ballpoint pen. Don't waste your time on fixing an airbubble that will be hidden in some dark hold.

What kind of seat are you planning to install? How big will it be? Measure it out and mark its location with a few more dabs of masking tape. If the airbubbles are going to be buried under the seat, leave them alone.

Any other air bubbles can be fixed rather quickly. Use a small drill bit (1/16th to 1/8th inch) and gently drill into the resin enough to reach the airbubble and ream it out a bit. If the resin is still soft, you might even use a large sewing needle, or sharpen the end of an aluminum knitting needle, or a large nail, to make a reamer. You don't have to go deep. You jsut have to get to where you can pop the bubble and create a valley that resin can easily flow into.

Using an inexpensive artist's paintbrush, or even a wooden toothpick, apply a single drop of resin to the affected area. After it sets up, a light sanding should smooth things. Subsequent coats of resin will flow into any minor remaining imperfections, and complete the repair as you fill the weave.

Hope this helps.

Paul G. Jacobson