simple gel coat repair question (photo)

[ebsworj]

I have a boat i recently purchased w/ lots of dings and scrapes that go through the gel coat to the fiberglass. I think they are from beaching, trailer, bad driving etc. I just recently read that water can get into exposed fiberglass, while I don't keep my boat in the water I'm worried and want to fix this quick. Whats the best/easiest product to use to fill in the scrapes in the missing gelcoat? Mines White. Will this product work below?<br /><br />THis product <br /><br />My scrapes look somthing like this but are a much wider and more numerous:<br /> http://www.uberstorage.com/tex/public/Boat/keel1.jpg

 

[90skichallenger]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

That is an awful lot of gel coat maybe a smaller gelcoat repair kit would do the trick.

 

[ebsworj]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

But would it work?<br /><br />I don't think those small repair kits will fill all the way down my keel.

 

[Realgun]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

I would mix some epoxy and milled glass fiber to a really thick consistancy and fill in those holes first. Then come back and use that gelcoat stuff. and yes the gelcoat will stick just be sure to sand and wash with acetone first.

 

[Solittle]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

Marine Tex is the best in my book.

 

[Mark42]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

I second Marine Tex. Get it in white and you could probably forgo the gel coat. I have read on these forums where members said uv from sun will damage epoxy, but if you're using it on the bottom side of the boat, it will probably last for many, many years.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

You did not state the year and make and size of your boat? While stopping water from further damaging your boat is one thing, getting a factory type of repair that will not degrade the value of a larger more expensive boat is something else entirely. If your damage is limited to the gelcoat (not the fiberglass) then getting a matching gellcoat will get the job done. It has been my experience that white is not always white, and can have several shades and additional hues that will stand out if not matched properly. It all comes down to if this is an older small fishing boat or if this is a larger more expensive sport fish of cruiser. Could you give a little more info ?

 

[troyo]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

I use this, and it looks and works great : <br /> Gelcoat Repair

 

[beezee28]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

eb, If you have that many scratches and pits like in the picture, best is to do a proper repair job on it. Sand down the area and use fibre glass repair with fibre glass to plug up the holes. Then gel coat the repaired area with MArine Tex gelcoat of the same color and that should do it.

 

[ebsworj]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

waterone1 - Its a 94' 18' Bayliner capri that was always garaged but not treated that well by the former owner. almost all the damage is on the under side of the boat, there's lots of nicks that i can see the fiberglass and beaching wear on the keel. I am a first time younger boat owner that just wants a reliable fun boat that I can afford so looks are a huge issue. Its its close to white thats ok w/ me.<br /><br />So White Marine-tex will work if I clean it with acetone and dont' care too much about the color?

 

[ebsworj]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

I will be buying this I think... Hope 2 oz is enough! Marine Tex

 

[ebsworj]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

I bought the marine tex. White is really more of a light gray color but it works. Now I need to sand it. Its not pretty but the holes weren't either!

 

[Mark42]

Re: simple gel coat repair question (photo)

I bought the Marine Tex in the can. Not sure how many oz it is. But it is a white white. Maybe they have some issues with their color control???