The first step of the Osmosis repair process. Gel Planing Professionally.
The entire hull has to be stripped of the gel layer, to expose the glass and open up and voids from the original construction.
Gel peeled to within a few inches of the waterline, generally this area will be dry and not affected by Osmosis, the other reason being once the repair is completed the fairing stages can be carried out easily to blend in as though the hull was new.
Gel is peeled to a few inches of all fittings, thus enabling the skin fittings to remain in place if Osmosis damage is not too extensive in these areas. They can be dress ground and repairs undertaken much easier.
To fully cure and dry a Hull damaged by Osmosis, it has to be dried with heat by using Infra red lamps directly onto the surface to warm it to a temperature of about 90 Degrees celcius. This will allow any further water ingress damage to evaporate and leave the surface dry and ready for sealing with Epoxy resin or glass sheathing, whichever is necessary depending on the Individual Hull.
Direct heat applied by GRP Marine Professionals at work.
Here you can see Before and After Moisture levels on the hull. Heating and drying cycles are monitored by professionals and with the latest Moisture meters on the world market today. We ensure your hull will be dry and as good as new and ready for the next 10-15 years of boating free of Osmosis.
Epoxy coatings are commenced, here the first of 8 Layers are applied, this is a chemical curing reactive epoxy, ensuring the best product to guard and treat Polyester hull layups from future Osmosis damage.
On top of the 8 Laters of Epoxy coatings, an anti osmosis faring filler is used to high build and fair in the shape of the Hull. Fairing is commenced and then sealed with a few layers of epoxy ready for a primer and then the antifoul application, to complete the long process of osmosis damage repairs.
The final result. A completed repair that is at required and acceptable moisture content levels of 1-7%, down from 15- 25% saturation. She looks good as is, no sign of any repairs with a full professional finsih achieved, 100 % fair and true. Another happy customer.