Boat surface repair question

[coolhandl]

I have a two part question. Forgive me for not knowing all the correct terms, I'm new<br /><br />I recently purchased a Glastron Conroy and it has some places (looks like dock rubs) where the gelcoat has been scrapped. I think only above the water line but there may be some below it. Do I need to fix this? It seems that the fiberglass has not been cut at all, I should note Im not even sure I can see all the way to the fiber glass.<br /><br />Second part, so I accidentally slipped with my sawzal when cutting apart a steering cable and I just barely nicked the inside of the (hull?) to the right of where the motor mounts on. Barely nicked is defined as a cut about 3/16 in long and at its deepest you might be able to stick a hypodermic needle through the hole. It seems this is a tiny (smaller than a pin) hole in the part of the boat thats not supposed to have holes in it. Do I need to fix this and if so whats the best thing to do?

 

[flashback]

Re: Boat surface repair question

coolhandl, welcome to I-boats, I would fix any scratches that go thru the gelcoat to keep water from getting into the laminates... and if you do those you may as well do them all....there are several ways of repairing this depending on how picky you are on looks, but one thing you should stick to is using a 2 part epoxy for any repairs below the water line, the polyester fillers are best for above the water line. How old is the boat?

 

[coolhandl]

Re: Boat surface repair question

The boat is a 1986. So your saying the eventually it could cause damage to the fiberglass? I was thinking for now I might just do a little silicone on that pin hole and I thought I might be able to fix that with just gelcoat? <br /><br />For repairs to the other parts above the water line do you think I need to do any more than gelcoat? <br /><br />Its an 86' so Im not real picky on looks, I didnt even think twice about fixing those nicks until I read about it out here; then I got all worked up

 

[flashback]

Re: Boat surface repair question

Na don't worry about it, if you don't care how it looks then just get a jar of marine tex and fill the bad ones, sand them fair or not, and have a good time............flash

 

[Solittle]

Re: Boat surface repair question

Silicone is a household product & should stay there & not be used for repairs on a small boat.<br /><br />On the hull scrapes - try a good cleaner & marine wax. Gelcoat is pretty hard stuff & I wouldn't do anything unless you completely penatrate it.<br /><br />On the little cut - I get some Marine Tex and use that to fill the cut. Make a very small amount per the directions. Marine Tex is one of those products you ought to have in your garage whether you need it or not. It is great for cuts, gouges, holes even if below the water line. It will cure under water.