Fibreglas boat repair

[tsgeller]

Live in a small town about 170 miles from nearest boat body shop. Last September my boat 1985 17 ft Lund Open Bow Fibreglas broke loose in a storm and hit the rocks putting a hole in it about the size of a golf ball. Insurance is covering the repair including repainting the whole bottom end. However, the body shop here is having trouble figuring how to lift it properly to paint it. The boat weighs about 2400 pounds with the motor(140 Evinrude)on it. Any suggestions. I don't really want to haul it the 170 miles. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fibreglas boat repair

Is it on a Trailer ???

 

[Solittle]

Re: Fibreglas boat repair

Are you having an auto body shop do the repair? I would hope that whoever you are talking to knows how to repair fiberglass - - this is not slap some bondo to it and hit it with a spray gun. I would be a bit leary of a shop that asks the customer how to lift the boat.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Fibreglas boat repair

the body shop here is having trouble figuring how to lift it properly to paint it

Next they will be asking you for advise on how to paint it . Better take it to someone who knows what they are doing. Let the insurance company pay someone who will do the job right.

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Fibreglas boat repair

tim/step, <br />I am with RodC on this one. I say get your boat out of that shop and look for fiberglass repair shop specialized in boat and PWC repairs. <br /><br />I had a marine mechanic clip my boat's transom on the dock, causing a 4 inch crack on the upper portion of transome (way above waterline). When I asked owner of the marina to repair the damage, he said: "Oh, no problem we will patch it for you with marine-tex". I took him outside to the boat and showed the damage. I asked him to cut into the crack, cut out area around it and fill with layers of fiberglass cloth and epoxy...<br />To make a long story short, I would not hesitate for 1 second after I heard "how do we lift the boat". I would be out of the shop with my boat trailered. <br />"how do we lift the boat" to fiberglass repair shop as "how do we open your hood" to car mechanic.<br /><br />Verdict --- Run. And don't forget the boat.

 

[beezee28]

Re: Fibreglas boat repair

tim/step,<br />Since insurance is paying for the repair, I would contact a boat repair place and have them come and get the boat to repair and when done get the boat back to you. Call the insurance company and let them know and they would advise you what to do next. My guess is that they would want the boat professionally repair instead of the auto repair place.

 

[tsgeller]

Re: Fibreglas boat repair

Sorry for not responding but just got back into town. The fellow here is well known for fiber glass repairs on boats and cars. Just not to brilliant when it comes to lifting the boat off the trailer. Says it doesn't have the lifts on the back that most boats have. I had checked him out and his work is highly recommended. My boat is my baby, would never let someone do anything to hurt her. Any ideas for slings or such. Would really appreciate any help.