Stitched or woven Bi- axial cloth.

[AlabamaRick]

Which of these bi-axial cloths do you fiberglass gurus prefer, the woven or stitched. I need to buy some and I am leaning toward the woven. It just seems that it would be easier to handle. Any opinions on the pros and cons of each type would be appreciated.
Also, any good tips on a good site to buy on line? I can't seem to find any locally.

[Xcomunic8d]

Disclaimer: I live in Hawaii. I’m not paid or commissioned for any of the stuff below. It’s how I learned (as bad as that is). You may try calling marine stores and asking them if they have supplies. I have a boat builder on my side I buy from or I drive 2 hours to get materials. End Disclaimer

Well, this is like stating the best brand of truck is...
Or the best team in nfl is....


But here’s what I’ve read. I’m not a pro and I hope guys like hermco and others may jump in.

I bought this book and it is where most of my knowledge comes from as is my experience fixing the boat.

For $16 this is worth the download and very helpful. https://www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-Re...s%2C247&sr=8-1

Online try these guys: http://www.uscomposites.com


I’m guessing you mean woven roving vs biaxial weave (like 1708 or some might call it knytex)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcQXEQj12kM

You can just use 6oz cloth, 1.5oz csm, and woven roving for most work. You have to alternate csm and wr layers as you can’t put wr’s on each other. But those layers do build up thickness quickly which is a plus. Negative is that wr is not strong on the diagonal.

Biaxial 1708 (knytex) is slightly more expensive but it forms to corners and looks great when done. Purists will say it’s a finishing layer and the pros want to save material costs. But labor and ease of use for me as a diy’er are most critical concerns.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioj1YBm6bJY

Good luck and feel free to ask for help.

[AlabamaRick]

Thanks for the input Xcomunicated. I found the answer to my question after a little more research. The stitched fabrics are stronger than the weaves so that is what I'll go with.
I am reinforcing an area,and I do have some 1708 biax, but I want to minimize bulk and weight, so I thought 1700 biax (no csm) would be better for this application. But the suppliers here don't have the 1700, and only the 1708, since that is what is mostly used in my area.
I have found a few sites on line that have reasonable prices,but the shipping...ouch!

[Xcomunic8d]

You know it. Shipping’s a killer. I pay about $10/ft not yd. for 1708. It’s still cheaper than shipping.

Good luck.

[dirtwheelsfl]

Stitched 45/45 Biax 9 times out of 10... What are you reinforcing??

[AlabamaRick]

Xcomunic8d: My God man!!! I will never ever complain again about shipping cost. I hope you all there in Hawaii are doing well thru this pandemic

[AlabamaRick]

Dirtwheelsfl; Hope you are well. My son lines in SoFla and they have been holed up going on three weeks now. Anyway, I am helping a friend replace his transom, and he slightly miscalculated on his 1708 fiberglass order. He only has enough left for two layers. Now I have a good bit of 1708, but I don't want to cut myself short either. So,what I am going to do is to order some 1700 for myself to use wherever I don't want the extra mat (learned that from your builds) and sandwich two 1700 plys between the 1708 for his transom,.We'll also reinforce the corners with 1700 tabs. I had looked at some biax that appeared to be woven but is now apparent that the stitched is the way to go. I appreciate your input. Stay healthy

[Xcomunic8d]

Thanks alabamarick. It’s the cost of paradise. All is good on my island, very few cases.

Kind of like everywhere, I suppose. Low store stock, lots of time to work on projects. Feeling really bad for those out of work and school. But my job is pretty stable.

Fortunately I keep about a months supplies on hand except for perishables. That’s 1-2 weeks.

Have fun and post some pics.

[dirtwheelsfl]

Originally Posted by AlabamaRick

Dirtwheelsfl; Hope you are well. My son lines in SoFla and they have been holed up going on three weeks now. Anyway, I am helping a friend replace his transom, and he slightly miscalculated on his 1708 fiberglass order. He only has enough left for two layers. Now I have a good bit of 1708, but I don't want to cut myself short either. So,what I am going to do is to order some 1700 for myself to use wherever I don't want the extra mat (learned that from your builds) and sandwich two 1700 plys between the 1708 for his transom,.We'll also reinforce the corners with 1700 tabs. I had looked at some biax that appeared to be woven but is now apparent that the stitched is the way to go. I appreciate your input. Stay healthy

Sounds like a good plan to me