A step by step how to

[boatnut74]

Re: A step by step how to

Even if a gel repair on the yellow didn't exactly match wouldn't it look better still than a grey or white marine tex repair? For a small area like you are doing, chances are nobody but you will notice the repair. Just remember, it's your boat and do what you feel comfortable with.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: A step by step how to

OOPS and YD are Gelcoat Pros, Me on the other hand, I'm a DIY'er and have messed with Old glass boats for a while. If you're doing it for yourself and you're Not looking for perfection then I say grind em out Acetone em clean marine tex em flat and get out the artist paints and mix up some paint that matches then get some valspar tractor paint, add some hardener to it and paint her. But I'm just and Old Okie with crazy ideas.

 

[marauder11]

Re: A step by step how to

3M? Marine Premium Filler whats your thoughts on this product.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: A step by step how to

I used it on my boat for small gouges just like yours. Worked fantastic. It is Poly based so you could use gelcoat or paint I has NO structural value however, marine tex does. It's just for filling small/medium gouges and medium/deep scratches. As always, you must sand, clean and wash with Acetone before applying.

 

[marauder11]

Re: A step by step how to

Just to be sure and confirm what i think i have learned. Gel coat is cosmetic not structural. As long as the fiberglass is good and not broken i should be fine using the 3 m product.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: A step by step how to

In my opinion yes, the Gelcoat guru's may disagree, but...Gelcoat is NOT structural. It might be a little stronger than the 3M Premium marine filler but that too is debatable.

 

[oops!]

Re: A step by step how to

Just to be sure and confirm what i think i have learned. Gel coat is cosmetic not structural. As long as the fibreglass is good and not broken i should be fine using the 3 m product.

gellcoat is not a structural component so to speak of like a stringer or a fibreglass hull.......but it does have some structural advantages.....gellcoat is an extremely hard surface that will last for 50 years of more. with just a little up keep.

i think what woodie was saying was that 3m.s product was non structural. not the gellcoat.

however......keep in mind.....these repairs are small compared to the general scope of things......they are just dings...nothing more....treat them like it !

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: A step by step how to

Just to be sure and confirm what i think i have learned. Gel coat is cosmetic not structural.

This is correct ..gel is NOT structural, its just a topcoat of a different product base ..

As long as the fiberglass is good and not broken i should be fine using the 3 m product.

Yes to the fiberglass thing .. not always fine with just filler.

The 3m filler Im thinking that your using is Vinylester based .. good product. For a "topcoat filler" it is not anything other then an expensive Bondo product.

If you dont care about looks .. again just Mtex it. If you Do care about the color on such small dings then spend the extra cost for gel/mixing/sanding and buffing ( 4 hours is a bit much for a custom color match for gel BTW ) .

I have learned here on the forums that most just want to go back to fishing or boating .. no worries about the small stuff. I am beginning to accept the quick and dirty ways of just "patch and go" ..

If you dont want the Patch it up for 20 bucks then its gonna cost some $$ .. We will direct you on the path of the Pro way. But its gonna cost you serious time and materials if you do not have some of this stuff in stock.

Good luck and keep posting .

YD.

 

[marauder11]

Re: A step by step how to

As a first time for everything to do with repairs on a fiberglass boat this 3 m product works great. I wasted some on the first go round but have that fixed now. I am just fixing scratches, cracks and small gel coat holes. Is not the pro look but will be good enough for me considering my boat has been painted before. My friend noticed this. So if your painting over it or do not care about an blueish white patch this seems to be the fix.