Will Fiberglass rot?

[Fishing Maniac]

Recently purchased a fiberglass drift boat but it did not come with a trailer. Right now it's sitting on dirt. Common senses tells me that's not a good idea. I guess I could put it up on a couple of 4x4 pieces of wood but I don't want to go to the trouble if I don't have to. Just wondering if I have anything to worry about short term. I hope to have a trailer in the next couple of months. Thanks.

[I.B. Fish'n]

ya know i dont know. hopfully nothing happens but if i were you i would put it on blocks and put a tarp over it.

[ampersat]

Fiberglass won't rot but it will get brittle from UV exposure. That's why it's usually protected with a coat of paint or gelcoat. However, I don't know that I'd want it just sitting on the ground either. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and take steps to protect your investment.

It won't "Rot" but UV light will deteriorate it. It would be a good idea to pit it up on some blocks though.

[Okie]

Puting it on blocks and covering it with a tarp is a good idea. If left on the ground to long it could warp it out of shape because of the difference in the ground temperature and the air temperature. Also it could fill up with rain water and start growing moss if left out side to long. Sun has a way of fading a fiber glass boat over a long period of time but this might depend on the quality of the paint in the resin etc.

[drhall99]

The dirt won't hurt it but the sunlight sure will. Prolonged exposure to the sun can break fiberglass down. Also, make sure that the boat can drain. They don't make very good swimming pools.

Doug

[Chrome Bumper]

Dirt will stain it. The sunlight will destroy the paint and plastic, especially if it is polyester resin. BTW polyurethane paint is UV resistant.

[Miss B Haven]

Actually Fiberglass Resin does rot, at least Polyester does. Not quickly (like wood), but it does. The Gel coat protects it from water intrusion. If the Gel coat is removed (digs/scratches) and the fiberglass is left exposed to water for long periods it can absorb water and eventually will "rot" and delaminate etc. It can also happen through Osmotic penetration by water through Gel coat (commonly called "blisters").

Not something drift boats/trailer boats really have to worry about.


[ 03-08-2004, 11:14 AM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

[Rubber Boot]

The glass will be there untill the second coming but the polyester resin will wheather over a period of time if exposed to water, Blistering is caused when water passes throught the gelcoat by osmosis and reacts with the chemicals in the resin. Its purely cosmetic. I wouldent worry about it. I have made water tanks that last up to twenty years plus. Boats sit in water for long periods and almost all bathtubs are now made out of glass...............Just 2c from a fiberglass guy