Top 5 Must Have Tools For Your Fiberglass Boat Projects!

When you get down to it, fiberglass work is only as complicated as you make it. At its core it is somewhat straight forward; remove the damage and replace it with new material, right?

Maybe somewhat simplified but not really far from the truth ;-)

The key phrase was 'Removing The Damage'.

When we're talking about having to do any kind of fiberglass work the reality is that most of your time will be spent sanding / grinding to remove the damage then more time spent sanding / grinding to shape and fair and repair. #ProfessionalSanders :-)

One of the things I've learned over the years is that getting caught up with fancy tools and techniques tends to get in the way of progress. If anything getting started on the project is more of a mental hurdle than anything else.

All that's really needed to do quality work is a bit of knowledge and some basic tools. That's It!

So here are the top 5 tools that I've found to be indispensable for doing this type of work, hope this helps with your upcoming projects ;-)!!

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(Looks like they're temporarily out of stock but should be back soon :-/)

[robw]

Hey Andy,
As a woodworking expert and a fiberglass/boat absolute newbie, I really appreciate all these intro videos. Getting my first sailboat soon, and based on market prices, it is certain to come with some projects. Thanks man. You're the best.

[choimdachoim]

It's not just the cost of the filters, it's the having to stop what you're doing, climb out of the boat, change the filter, climb back in and continue with the smooth work-flow having been completely disrupted.

[magicfairydust]

You have described me and my project to a tee! I am restomodding a 1972 Formula 233 and bought all Harbor freight tools like grinders, oscillating tools, etc for the demolition work (rotten transom, stringers, etc) and now that I am 75 percent done on the construction side, I have purchased the Bosch Dual Action 5 inch sander to begin a lot of the sanding. They do make a 6 inch model also. I will probably get the Makita belt sander too .

You probably should have included a respirator as a "must have" tool also.

I look forward to your videos every week, have learned a lot!

[unrulyking]

Hey, I do fiberglass repair and paint jobs down here in south Florida. Just want to let you know that I have been using alexseal over the last year because of you. I love it, and to see the bubbles just pop right in front you is amazing. I painted a lot of boats with cloud white and my customers love it!

[aqueousmoments]

Thank you! Just bought a boat made in 1977. It’s nice but there are issues here and there. I love your channel which I have been watching for awhile.

[jarhed]

Thank you for the beginner videos! Every time I have a question about my new (first) boat, you’re the guy I come to. Please keep the beginner content coming and thanks a million!

[higamerXD]

as a complete diy noob jumping in head first, this video (and gaint stuff list) is really really helpfull thanks!

[paulcollins]

I use my harbor freight multi tool from wood work to boat work. Love it. Only bought one still works going on 2 yrs

[ИВАНМАЙГОР]

Огромное спасибо за видео. Всегда с большим удовольствием смотрю ваши уроки. Удачи вам!

[bryanmorrion]

Repairing old screw/bolt holes on a vertical fibre glass surface in a boat. So it doesn’t run out both ends run everywhere. Thanks love you channel. Form newcastle Australia

[duckmanbhb]

Thank you for that video. Like you said, I am one of those boaters who has small jobs, and this video was made for me.
Bruce B.

[marinoldus]

You are a household name here in the Manitowoc Marina.
Got to fix a one inch hole on my sailboat. Hole was for a recessed navigation light.
The comments I got from my sailor friends, “Did you do it the ‘Danny’ way?”
And that was from several sailors here.

[darrylmcleman]

I plan to name my boat "M.V. SANDAGAIN!!!" Cheers from westcoast Canada!

[shawnmartin]

So I can attest to the electric shears save you on large fiberglass projects. It is one of my favorites. Thanks Andy for saving my hands a few years ago when I saw you using them. They truly are a game changer. Also the Bauer occilating tool is a solid purchase as well. Has held up well to the rigors of fiberglass dust use. Paired with Diablo carbide tiped blades it’s unstoppable. My next purchase will be the Bosch forced rotation sander. With a family and other obligations besides boat projects any way I can save time is the way to go. Thanks again Andy for continuing to provide content with your busy schedule!!

[chrish]

As always another great video for newbies and the long term boat repairs. Thanks 😊 Andy.

[kclaptraffic]

I have a dust separator I bought that goes on a 5 gallon bucket. it was a generic one from home Depot. it works incredibly well for the $30 I spent on it.

[buckmccloud]

Thanks Andy for all the videos you have done and continue to do. Amazing amount of knowledge you share!

[tstuart]

Great content Andy. I'm so delighted your topic was the top 5 tools. Wo Festool are so expensive, however as you mentioned, its what people can afford and it gets the job done.

[Baspastoorsify]

A couple of years ago i saw that maikta belt sander. ordered one and never looked back! love it!

[allmomomosthomebus]

Perfect timing for me for a newbie series! Just starting to build my first epoxy and fiberglass boat.