fixing gouges/exposed fiberglass in hull of my '89 speedboat

[sirg243]

I've been lurking through this forum for a few weeks as I prep to get some work done on the underside of my boat. I've got some great info and think I have it figured out. Looking to get some thoughts/opinions on how I plan on going about this work.

I got this older speedboat last year. its an '89 maxum. Not sure of the model number. Here is an image of the exact same boat I found on google

the one I have has defiantly been used and abused a bit over its life and has some decent sized gouges and also many areas where the gelcoat is completely wore off from beaching the boat over the years. Nothing is too major and nothing penetrates the glass. I've included a few pictures of the gouges. Im thinking i can use some marine tex to fill and patch these gouges. Would anyone recommend anything different? The first image is the worst one. it goes about as deep as the tip of my pinkyfinger.

The Keel of the boat is basically fully exposed (from the beaching i mentioned earlier)
Im not to sure what the best way to deal with this would be? would i re apply some type of gel coat? or just paint right over it?






Any info or suggestions you guys have would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chris1956]

Marine-tex is a fine product. You could use ployester marine putty as well. You will need to sand and feather the hull, wipe with acetone and then apply the putty. After she hardens up, sand her smooth and apply a colored gel coat, or some spray paint for color.

 

[JASinIL2006]

If you plan to beach the boat, after fixing the keel, consider buying a KeelGuard or a KeelShield. We have a KeelShield (from Gator-Guards) on our boat, and not only has protected the keel quite nicely, it has held up really well over the years.

 

[sirg243]

If you plan to beach the boat, after fixing the keel, consider buying a KeelGuard or a KeelShield. We have a KeelShield (from Gator-Guards) on our boat, and not only has protected the keel quite nicely, it has held up really well over the years.

Thanks Gents, i appreciate the input.

I have actually looked into one of these after reading another post on this forum about them. I will definitely be investing in this. Seems a no brainer.

Do you guys recommend using the marine tex on the keel? if not what would you recommend for covering that exposed glass and protecting it? I'm assuming a light layer of the marine tex sanded down would do a good job to protect it? or would you cake it on and try and sand and reshape the keel?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Does that strip along the keel just behind the bow have wear all the way through the fiberglass? It almost looks like there are holes that you could stick your finger into.

 

[sirg243]

Does that strip along the keel just behind the bow have wear all the way through the fiberglass? It almost looks like there are holes that you could stick your finger into.

nothing penetrates the glass from what i can tell. i can see why you would think that. the picture does give that effect.