Chipped Gelcoat - Marinetex or Gelcoat

[dingbat]

I dropped a 24oz sinker and it took a pretty good chip out of the corner of the hatch on the live well. The chip is about the size of a quarter on top and extends over the side of the hatch. I'm guessing I need to build the surface back up an 1/8" or so.

My questions is should I use Marinetex or gelcoat for the repair? Can I color Marinetex? Can I build it back up just using gelcoat?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Chipped Gelcoat - Marinetex or Gelcoat

You might try gelcoat thickened with talc to make a putty.

 

[oops!]

Re: Chipped Gelcoat - Marinetex or Gelcoat

yep.....and you can sand the gellcoat smooth to match the finish.

i did some repairs on a larson last night and the are so smooth you cant feel the repair area

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Chipped Gelcoat - Marinetex or Gelcoat

Marinetex is great for easy repairs that are tougher than the original gelcoat in a lot of ways.

But once you use it you're limited in what will adhere over it sometimes, and if it's noticeably a different color you're kinda stuck unless you paint.

Gelcoat will cost you a lot more work and takes some practice to get looking just right, kinda similar to doing a good car paint job... it's not as simple as sculpting bondo into place and spraying primer over it, but it looks much better.

So, your choice. If you want it to be solid and easy, Marine-tex. If you want it to look great, gel it.

Erik

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Chipped Gelcoat - Marinetex or Gelcoat

Hello dingbat..

If you use gel paste ( I would mix with cabosil ) let it cure for a few days before sanding.

And you should be aware that even when your done and all looks great..after a while that spot will shrink and pop. You should spray over the repair if you already have the gel. Take ya few more hours of work but its worth it.

YD.

 

[Edd505]

Re: Chipped Gelcoat - Marinetex or Gelcoat

24oz sinker? Sounds like a cannon ball!