Building A Boat Hatch From A Fiberglass Mold!

[@TheADHDFarmer]

This channel has been my go-to for repairing my 1996 Regal Valanti 202. I started this project assuming that fiberglass work wasn't all that difficult. Well, now that I've watched probably 10% of your videos, I see that I knew NOTHING about glass work, and I was very ignorant to the details that go into fiberglass work. Thanks so much foe putting these videos out there!

[@GrantOakes]

To help release the part from the mold consider drilling 2 or 3 small, 1/8" holes on the large surface and fill them with clay. Once the part is finished use a blow gun from a compressor and inject air from the back side and the part will pop right out and the clay will leave a very minimal blemish that can be buffed out.

[@jan-olofharnvall8760]

Thinking person✅

[@Horace1993]

I like this.

[@Nifilheimur]

Know this is a 4 year old video but for someone needing to make 2 new hatches for my boat this is brilliant. Cheers for some great content!

[@KelvinMeeks]

Fascinating to watch a true craftsman at work

[@horaciostjeward]

What I like the most about this cancel, is that you don't pretend to be perfect. You make mistakes and take us along with it. Lesson learned for all of us.🙂

[@briantoni]

Wow that’s nice. I bought a Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 and it needs a roof (4x4?). This is something I could do. I might add in bolts for mounting a light or sound bar (music). Maybe some roof vents.

[@ShreddinSleds]

Instead of compressed air, what about using hydraulic power? Using water and a low power pressure washer

[@outen21]

This channel is underrated big time. Good work!

[@consaka1]

Man I sure could have used your help when I was glassing my cedar canoe. What a pain.

[@mr.sinister2029]

Love how laid back you are. I've no need to learn about fiberglass work but I find myself pleasantly interested in your videos just by your narration alone.

[@thatrandomchannel8589]

You do beautiful work

[@tomharrell1954]

Beautiful

[@chroniclesofstuntbucket3522]

Extremely cool - I watched the making of and the actual molding video, here. Great way to learn - Tell Me and I Forget, Teach Me and I Remember, Involve Me and I Learn, Benjamin Franklin

[@eugenedodd7505]

Great job 👍

[@leandrewwilliams554]

This is my favorite fiberglass video..

[@TonyAnschutz]

Love the expressions on your face as you were getting the thing out! Nice

[@stevemason5348]

Good job

[@miquelbass]

Andy, you are the best.

[@RenegadeADV]

You're a freaking Wizard Andy!

[@tomharrell1954]

Andy is the man !

[@jasonflannery4741]

Was thinking of doing a bait board slash live tank, removable and a lean 2 out of fibreglass. Prob cost me alot less than buying them. Cheers for the info.

[@tompena7487]

I enjoy watching your vlogs at my age I learned something thanks

[@AdventureFreak86]

Great video.

[@danssv8]

Great job sir

[@jamesford8315]

Fantastic work. Thank you for making time and effort to produce all of these wonderfully insightful and knowledgeable videos. I will be viewing these two videos many more times before making port and starboard cockpit hatches. Me thinks making the molds will be the toughest part. That will be my Fall project as I already have plenty for this Spring.

[@garywilson6789]

That was good 👍

[@fernandonogueira7771]

Very nice

[@herbieherbert9964]

Enjoyed the video. Never done this before, so I will try this tomorrow and see how I get off. Cheers Herbie Herbert South Wales UK

[@rogerazevedo4094]

Thanks for your videos. There is always something to learn with you. Keep up the good work

[@todddunn945]

Andy, soft wood wedges driven in along edges will generally pop a part out. You don't have to drive them in far. Once you get one or two in a bit pour some water into the gap. That will normally pop the part right out.

[@mhmdgad9129]

may i ask Is it true that poly sinks deeper in the wood than epoxy and is more flexible ?

[@richardatkins6195]

Andy Thanks so much for all the information, techniques and insights you share with us. My hatch fits great. Wish I had the photographic talent to give you a better picture of the fit. Needless to say, I’m extremely grateful. Richard

[@sailingandrunning]

Really great video thanks

[@shanebeaudrot777]

I miss doing fiberglass projects so I really enjoyed watching this video.

[@dancando6391]

Sheeeeesh! I THOUGHT i wanted to build a new hatch for my boat. Now... im not so sure. lol. What a skill to have tho.

[@armedmariner]

Great job. I enjoyed the mold build and the part layup. Good craftsmanship. I wouldn’t mind working with you any day!

[@verynearlyaboutsailing8114]

Excellent guide, thanks. Glad to see that 'pucker' moments occasionally happen to professionals as well - although if I ever get down to just one pucker per job I will be very pleased indeed with my progress.

[@sailingjabuka465]

Great video Andy, as usual! without your helpful videos I wouldn't be able to fix and refit my sailboat! thanks

[@john1948fl]

AWESOME tutorial !! Thank You for taking your time to share your skills with us. I like anything related to boats and fiberglass. Even though I am a wooden boat enthusiast, fiberglassing is a true art form that you have to LEARN - it is not given to you and it is not cheap. (there is no free lunch with learning to fiberglass).

[@FLBill]

Just found your channel doing research to make a lid for my transom on my boat. You give me hope! Great info and great skill. Even when you have a pucker moment. Thanks!

[@borismartinez6475]

Another successful project, thank for sharing your knowledge with us, have fixed my boat following your videos, my next project, after uncap the boat to change transom and foam (85 robalo cc), is to make to small platforms for the transom, one in each side of the outboard.

[@HouseMadeUS]

Always good to hear your voice and see you doing the real work! Nice hatch!

[@krusty36m]

Well done man! Great “how to” video

[@michaelfarinola5044]

Thank you for sharing your hard-earned knowledge. First found you after you generously helped Mads.

[@michaeljohn8905]

Thanks Andy. Your videos have led me down a really interesting part in my life.

[@PowellRoadDIY]

New sub here, these videos sure help me out. I’m starting to do some research on how to fiberglass, I have a 1996 sunbird that the floor needs to be replaced. Pick the boat trailer and motor up for 400 bucks. The motor has less than 20 hours on it , the lady bought the boat brand new and only used it 4 times in the river and it sat in her yard until I got it a couple we ago. I’ve pulled out most of the rotted wood and the flooring below the plywood is in prefect condition. It’s a great starter project for me to learn how to fiberglass.

[@richardwallinger1683]

warts an all..; good result in the end ..phew.

[@mikeoconner1356]

😃Great work as always Andy. Thank you.

[@jasoncooperpcola]

Looks great. Just finished the 1st layer of chop strand on a mold I built the past 2 nights. You make it look easy.

[@TotalBoat]

another great video, Andy! Looks like you're using some excellent gelcoat, too! Thanks!

[@debrisbox]

Great video... I love your channel. So about how many "gallons" total of material to make that and about how much does it weigh?

[@jappecoco]

Nice info, thx for sharing

[@phillypauly]

while I did not enjoy the pucker moment ( I feared it along with you)... I am sure glad it happened and you shared it. annnnd that it turned out well.

[@gordonwd2]

Always get excited when I see you’ve posted a new video.

[@nsmnsm8889]

Hi Andy you may put a masking tape next time to the corners to fix that sticking on corners, Keep up the Good job

[@mikefriend7570]

Brilliant. Definately going to try this

[@danield.8020]

Andy if you would to build a swimplattform incl an enginebracket, kind of like an Armstrongbracket with a “floatingcontainer”, would you build a mold for it like the one in the video or even use the boat as part of the mold? Or would you build the structure from plywood? Maybe it will be different depending if your boat has a flat transom or not? 🤔

[@jackrabbit5047]

Super work! Fun to watch.

[@663horton]

Andy love the videos, Very helpful to us DIYers..

[@drippingoilcustoms]

i just discovered your show about 2 weeks ago and i really enjoy it! i am rebuilding a classic vw dune buggy and was thinking i could use alot of your tricks and tips!

[@racerxv6valvoline424]

Andy, you make glass work look so easy. This makes me want to build a new console for my bass boat and replace he black plastic one that is there. It actually bolts to an aluminum square base. How hard do you think this would be for a beginner like my self? I guess I would need to build the mold and then basically perform the steps that you just did. Thanks, Matt

[@jerryf609]

Thanks for showing us how it is done.

[@oldowl4290]

I'm a skilled carpenter and welder but have yet to venture into fiberglass so your videos are very helpful. I'm making a crawl-through cab in my old (95) Toyota 4x4 truck and am using a high top fiberglass shell which I'm cutting the front out of (as well front of truck bed and rear of cab for the crawl-through) I've bought a rubber accordion seal to mate the cab to the topper but I also want to extend the top front edge of the topper, as well the two sides approximately 4" on the sides and ~8" on top to better seal around the cab (but still allow for topper to be removable). I plan for a 1/4" gap / spacing around the entire lip of the topper shell which will get filled with some type of silicone rubber tape to help seal against the cab. Anyway.. should I just make the top and sides out of say 1/8" or 1/4" balsa and then go from there instead of making a mold? After watching your video on fiberglassing over plywood that seems to be the way to go. I think because of the odd shapes and angles of what will likely be three or four pieces, that making a mold first would prove to be very difficult (but ideal). I also need to be able to attach this to the current fiberglass topper which has an old gel coat. I assume I need to sand off the gel coat where I'll attach the extension and then somehow bind and glue the new assembly to it, then fiberglass everything together. I definitely want the finished product very smooth and will want to gel coat it. Any help would be appreciated. I think I'm on the right track but a step 1-10 checklist would be a great help! I have a ton of tools and last year had to reweld in all the metal around the perimeter of my windshield due to rust and it came out looking brand new so I know I can handle this.. I just need a really good checklist of the steps! Thank you.

[@markkurtis8637]

I know the buckets and chip brushes are trashed after one use but, how do you keep your ribbed roller serviceable?

[@TheDecguy]

Another great video. I guess its fitting out season about now in your neck of the woods. Your name has been popping up quite often the days on the cruiser nets and the sailing videos. I know the sailing community is very appreciative of your help and guidance. Maybe this winter you can find time to head down to the islands to see some of your fans in person. You might need to trade in the Carharts for some board shorts before you go!! Thanks.

[@ghostnumber717]

Grateful for these videos as always. Is this gel coat waxed or non waxed?

[@johnlannigan9831]

Maybe a stupid question. Why did you lay down the very first gel coat and spend ages sanding it smooth when you could have used the original surface which was smooth anyway?

[@robcrissinger776]

Beautiful work!! No respirator??? Fumeless Chemicals???

[@stephenadams5293]

Great to see a video from you.

[@sveula6454]

Thanks Andy, G'day from OZ, nice tutorial, I've been a sub of your channel for over twelve months now, I've learned so much along the way that i now aproach the fibreglassing projects on my old sailboat with much more confidence and achieve pretty good results. Cheers 👍

[@mhmdgad9129]

may i ask Is it true that poly sinks deeper in the wood than epoxy and is more flexible ?

[@SailingInconceivable]

You are a master, Andy. You have inspired me to make a hatch cover for Inconceivable. ~Hans

[@debbiepurdy1157]

Your videos are amazing and very informative - thank you! Silly question, we already have a fibreglass mould of a cabinet that belongs to a 1972 BOLER 13’ trailer. We’re wondering if we use this mould to build a second cabinet (and then use the mould we have for the 1st cabinet), we’re a little confused as to why the gel coat does not stick to the mould? Thanks so much Andy :) ! Any additional insight regarding our project is welcome… :)

[@WoodsmanSkills]

Huge help! Thank you!

[@fitz2180]

Nice work. I am inspired to take on a project of my own now!

[@leeandjenniferscott1959]

I'm curious as to why you needed to separate the hatch from the mold BEFORE you trimmed off the excess glass around the edges. Seems like trimming the glass first and maybe sanding off the gelcoat that was on the top edge of the mold might have made it release a lot easier??

[@cnksmz]

Hi first of all thanks for the videos. they are very injured. It would be correct to apply epoxy after how long after the gelcoat application. Would epoxy and fiberglass be suitable after the gelcoat is completely dry? thanks

[@georgebetar923]

Thanks! Just recently, my original 1975 CD 25 hatch and lazarette covers were too flimsy, crazed and degraded so I now have 3/8" plywood reinforced hatch covers and a 3/4" plywood reinforced lazarette cover and all are covered with 4 layers of 1208. Im still in final fitting stages but they are bulletproof. Probably overkill and they will need upgraded bronze hinges and hinge supports as well but so worth it as I can now stand on the lazarette to fish off the back, hoist the dinghy, or have a solid work platform. Those covers will outlast me and the next few owners as well. Thanks for another helpful video.

[@mickfisch96]

Thanks Andy. Great video (again). I think I’ll try a new companionway hatch after seeing 2 shows!

[@evesos2583]

BTW your working skills are amazing

[@danssv8]

Great job and explanation , I've learned a lot and also from your mistake lol. Thanks for making this video

[@ajenjohnson7413]

I love watching hands on staff especially making fibreglass materials. What I really don't know is the type of adhesives used in making these so can anyone help. Any answers appreciated.

[@UrbanFisherman]

Nice bro 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@jeffkiefer5182]

Another lesson learned!

[@wuzgoanon9373]

I've been using your vids to get through a boat restoration. Glad to have your knowledge available for the project. Thanks!

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Great job !

[@CoastLife]

Yay! Just working on out RIB hull mold today. Repairing a couple of bubble imperfections in the mold and well be ready to go soon!

[@cliffjamerson3107]

Thanks again your vids inspire me to do a better job on what ever I'm working on

[@Mjr._Kong]

Fantastic video! Quick question: How do determine whether to use female mold (as you did here), versus a male mold?

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

Used to work in the fibreglass industry in testing. Made up our own resin compounds from raw chemicals to test various conditions. I also used to set fire to it with various chemicals to how well it burnt for product testing etc. It basically burns down to its raw components leaving the glass fibre intact. It's interesting stuff and not 100% waterproof either which is why boats can suffer osmosis.

[@Moffit02]

Put wax round the joints before hand and don't coat anywhere that don't need to be

[@hch142]

well done!

[@RichardHeadGaming]

"Smile", as that look of wtf I'm screwed sets in.

[@brianhortelius7650]

How quickly can I begin laying glass over the gelcoat? I’m building a 59”x48” hatch and see conflicting information. Some say as soon as it’s mostly dry some say overnight. It sounds like better bond by going soon and some say it will affect the gelcoat if you use poly too soon?

[@mike-ology22]

Hello mate, you do make me laugh 😂 I think what I enjoyed the most was the mistake you made, why? Usually we have to make the mistake and go through the pain if trying to figure out how we can correct it but with you pointing this out and putting us through your pain I certainly won't forget about it. Couple of questions and maybe a solution. You want the first gel coat to be high enough but not stick to the edge so would it be an idea to tape the top edge so you can go over it but peel it off making sure you have a complete coverage? This one is a bit tricky but I think you are the perfect person to ask because your work is amazing. I have bought an old yacht, 27ft colvic with old interior. I want to revamp it all and make it more modern on the inside. I have a fairly good idea what I want but I need help from someone with skills and happy to help or give advice. I have no experience at all with fibreglass but I'm a quick learner and know how it works. I just like information before trying and wasting loads of money. I would like to build my own furniture with curved edges or fibreglass mixed with wood. A good example would be the steps coming into the boat having the back panel as white fibreglass finish but the steps in marine ply varnished. Is there a way to combine the two but leave the features of the wood just like the effect you would have with a deck covered in teak but the edges polished white.? I'm a nightmare explaining things but I want to also insulate the inside of the whole yacht including the ceiling with bubble wrap and closed cell foam to then coat it with white epoxy, is this possible or would it crack? Would I get a nice finish or is it a waste of time and should it be done in fabric? Even a video where you draw it on paper to explain would be good. Is there a way to make your own cupboard with closed cell foam and cover it with fibreglass and then epoxy? Then cut out the doors and have fibreglass furniture or drawers? Loads of questions but would cover a range of projects I would like to try out and would appreciate expert knowledge you have. Many thanks and great videos, keep up the good work Mike

[@diggs332001]

Great Video, how much would you charge for making something like that? It seems like a very long process, I'm trying to understand the cost of the materials and the labor as well as profit for a job like that. Any incite would be great. Thanks

[@boatwithnoname4314]

Would plywood have worked ok instead of the balsa?

[@kazeemadeleke7979]

how do you take care of the health problem resin brings with it and the itchy fiberglass

[@ENTEprimitivo]

want to ask you for a special favor, can you make a video about gelcoat, that include how to prepare it by your own with measures? you see, I am from South America and here we don´t have all those products that you have in you´re country. Thanks

[@kazeemadeleke7979]

just buy your normal resin and add fumed silica as you desire

[@zeiwow0]

does fiberglass and epoxy not stick to gelcoat is why you are able to make a mold from it?

[@Night33Nurse]

Thanks, Great Video

[@edrussell7960]

Wow looks great.