Practice Exam Questions And Correct

ABYC Fiberglass Boat Repair Certification Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Covers all major domains: fiberglass composition, lamination, structural

repair, safety, standards, tools, and troubleshooting.)

• What is the primary resin used in most fiberglass boat construction?
• Phenolic resin
• Polyester resin
• Epoxy resin
• Vinylester resin

Rationale: Polyester resin is the most common resin due to its low cost

and adequate mechanical properties for marine laminates.

• Which material provides the primary strength in fiberglass laminate?
• Resin 1 / 4

• Fiberglass reinforcement
• Catalyst
• Gelcoat

Rationale: Fiberglass fibers carry the load; resin primarily binds and

transfers stress between fibers.

• Which type of fiberglass reinforcement offers the best multi-directional

strength?

• Woven roving
• Biaxial fabric
• Chopped strand mat
• Unidirectional cloth

Rationale: Biaxial fabrics combine multiple fiber orientations, improving

strength in more than one direction.

4. The gelcoat layer primarily provides:

• Structural rigidity
• Surface finish and UV protection
• Chemical bonding
• Electrical insulation

Rationale: Gelcoat protects from UV damage and creates a smooth,

aesthetic finish. 2 / 4

• What catalyst is typically used to cure polyester resin?
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP)
• Amine hardener
• Acetone

Rationale: MEKP initiates polymerization in polyester resins.

6. Excess catalyst in resin causes:

• Slower curing
• Excessive exotherm and brittleness
• Stronger bonding
• No effect

Rationale: Too much MEKP raises curing temperature, making the resin

brittle and prone to cracking.

7. The ideal resin-to-glass ratio for hand lay-up is approximately:

A. 30:70

B. 40:60

C. 50:50

D. 60:40 3 / 4

Rationale: A 40% resin to 60% glass ratio yields optimal strength and

minimal excess resin weight.

8. Air bubbles trapped in laminate cause:

• Better flexibility
• Weakness and delamination
• Faster curing
• No significant effect

Rationale: Voids reduce bonding and structural integrity.

9. When repairing structural fiberglass, the first step is:

• Sanding
• Damage assessment and isolation
• Applying gelcoat
• Cutting reinforcement

Rationale: Assessment ensures correct repair design and prevents hidden

structural issues.

10. Core materials in sandwich construction are used to:

• Increase resin absorption
• Increase stiffness without adding weight
• Reduce adhesion
• / 4