PROPOSED COURSE: "Basic Composite Repair"

Instructor: To Be Determined

Six-part Course

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs): Three

Learning Contact Hours: Six

If you already have some hands-on experience in working with composite materials in a repair setting, this course will give you a better understanding of the tools and materials you are already using, and it will explain the structural reasons for each step of the repair process. As an added benefit, this course will help to prepare you for the American Boatbuilders and Repairers Association (ABBRA) Marine Composites Certification Test.

We will review many of the issues that you encounter in the shop as you repair damaged composite structures. We’ll begin with a description of what is meant by structural repairs, and we’ll go on to discuss scarf rations and why we use them, laminate schedules, secondary-bond issues, rotten stringers and transoms, and core delaminations.

Once you have a good grasp of the different types of repair problems you may face in your job, we’ll cover advanced-composite materials, including aramids (Kevlar©) and resins. We’ll then go on to discuss vacuum-bagging, resin infusion, and post-curing.

The next segment will focus on causes and cures of osmotic blisters, including repair options, surface prep, and materials. We’ll close with a detailed discussion of the business side of composite-repair work, including estimating the job; understanding costs of labor and materials; evaluating working conditions; and setting up a successful customer-relations program.


Class outline

Week One: Fundamentals of Composites
Week Two: Fundamentals of Composites
Week Three: Cosmetic Repairs
Week Four: Cosmetic Repairs
Week Five: Damage Analysis
Week Six: Damage Analysis 

The date for this course to start again has not been set. Register here if you wish to be notified. There is no fee to sign up for the waiting list.  The course itself will cost $300.