New to it.

[River's Revenge]

Hello everyone!

while watching my kids get pulled behind a friends pontoon this summer it just seemed right to look for a boat. I found a 78' 16cvx. I just love the style and lines. The boat was in pretty rough shape in the interior dept but hull, transom and engine w controls all checked out nice. There was the mention of "U-joints" needing replacement but that didn't scare me away. So as it sits I have buffed out most of the faded chalked paint and have brought the dead back to life. It is amazing how well a 3M rubbing compound can bring back Luster. Anyways, the bench seat was totally destroyed from sitting out in the elements for about three years. Well today it went back in the boat with modifications and the invention of Nauga Hide (sp?) I am very happy with the results. You Tube directed me to make an "Exploritory Hole" in the deck which revealed rot. After cutting the deck out and replacing with new wood and fiberglass the boat is really starting to grow on me. I've done some good work to her, and ready to start on the minoe chips in the hull.

My question is about Bondo, do i use bondo or build up the chips and nicks with gel coat?

 

[DukesFin]

Re: New to it.

Some will say bondo works fine, some will say MarineTex and some will say gelcoat...

It's really up to you, but here would be my order of preference...

Gel Coat Patch Kit
Marine Tex
Never Bondo - Not made for boats!

Seriously, about bondo... I know of a boat that was repaired using it ONLY above the water line and after about 10 years, it's still on there so it CAN work. I figure on my boats, I'll try to use marine products, and that's just me.

The hard part about fixing any minor nicks and scratches is matching the color of your repair to the rest of the hull.

You got any pictures you can share???

Oh, when you did the deck, did you check the stringers and transom for any rot?

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: New to it.

gel coat wont adhere to marine tex.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: New to it.

If you have a chance, post some pics, we would love to see the boat!

 

[drewpster]

Re: New to it.

The truth is that Bondo can work as a filler on boats. But there are some inherent problems with Bondo that have to be considered. Ever see a car with a big patch of Bondo popped out? Thats because Bondo soaks water. There is no getting around that. So one basic rule to follow is never use it below the water line. Another mistake is to build up the thickness of the repair too much. It is best to keep it 1/4" thick or less. Any thicker and you are simply adding to the amount of material that can soak up more water.

The reason it is best to use marine fillers is that they are designed to work in a marine environment.

Is it going to matter on a trailer boat that gets stored in a garage? Not likely. But if you use it in an area that comes in contact with water regularly you run the risk of it swelling and popping out.