Storm put big gash in boat

[savetexomabeaches]

1991 invader, outside of boat was amazing, no scratches or chips..
We had a big storm blow through last night and my a huge piece of sheet metal from my neighbor's shed blew off and hit the boat.


How can I fix this?
:blue:

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Storm put big gash in boat

Basic Gelcoat Repair 101.. First make some thickened polyester resin with some chopped up CSM fibers to fill the area but leave it a bit low. Now, get a gelcoat repair kit. Buff the existing gelcoat so you can see what it really looks like all clean and shiny. Mix up some gel as best you can to match the existing. Mix in some cabosil to thicken the gelcoat to mayonaise consistency. Sand the damaged area with 80 grit and clean with acetone. Add the hardener to the thickened gelcoat and apply to the area building it up and leaving it higher than the surrounding area. Let it cure overnight. Sand with 180 to get it flush. Now switch to wet sanding starting with 600 and finish with 1000. Buff and polish. If you did a good job of color matching you'll barely be able to tell it happened.