Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

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sublime297

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Hey All,

Just pulled my boat for a cleaning, found the following fiberglass cracks. I have no fiberglass repair experience but want to do the job myself to save money. Thoughts on the severity? Any product suggestions?

Thanks in advance

20121010_152918.jpg20121010_152935.jpg20121010_153108.jpg
 
Woodonglass

Woodonglass

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

Where is this damage located on the boat? How large are those gouges? From the pics, it seems there could be more damage than just what appears in the pic. No, Bondo is NOT recommended for repairs below the waterline. We're gunna need more info and pics that show more of the boat and the area where the damage is located.
 
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sublime297

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

Hello and thank you for helping.

I will take some better pictures when I get a chance. The first two pics (of the same gouge) is port quarter as seen in this picture. The third gouge is smack middle on the bottom of the hull. The first gouge is a bit longer than the size of the drain hole (seen in first picture). I'd say the bottom of the hull gouge is roughly three inches.20120919_151045.jpg
 
Woodonglass

Woodonglass

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

The second picture with the long brown line appears to be a crack as well all along that discoloration. That is bothersome. This could indicate water penetration into the transom. This IS the bottom area of the transom correct??? Take some acetone on a rag and clean that area as best as you can and get it as white as you can so we can see what going on all along that area. The gouges are not that big of an issue but if you have a long crack along the bottom edge of the hull at that location THAT could be a major issue. It's just not easy to tell from the pics you've posted.
 
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sublime297

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

Oh boy, starting to become a bit nervous about a possible transom problem. Yes, the first gouge is the bottom area of the transom. Transom water penetration was a concern as the gouge on the bottom of the hull was dry upon inspection (has been out of water for five days) but the transom area gouge was a bit wet.

Ok, tomorrow I will do as you say (acetone cleaning) then take some better pictures. Talk to you soon...
 
tpenfield

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

The water coming from the gouge in Pic #2 is troublesome . . . otherwise things look like an easy fix.
 
mrdjflores

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

don't get too nervous...it can all be repaired/replaced....
 
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sublime297

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

Ok, did an acetone cleaning of the area. Took more pictures. Hopefully they're more informative for you all.

The bigger gouge under is the hull is completely dry, so I'm not as worries about that one.

However, the transom area gouge is definitely wet. A constant slight drip takes place. I did all the transom tests that I know (knocking all around with screwdriver, cavitation plate pressure, ect.) and it seems totally solid. The yellow streak running from the transom gouge is completely smooth fyi. The fact that water is dripping out is a sign of a trouble, of course, but I'm hoping some sort of "git rot" solution and/or anti-freeze injection + fiberglass repair can do the trick here. Replacing the transom is really out of my budget at the moment, not to mention that sort of job may be worth more than the boat!

I sincerely thank you all for your advice.

20120919_151132.jpg20121011_144727.jpg20121011_144847.jpg20121011_150804.jpg20121011_150808.jpg
 
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sublime297

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

So, since I live in Maryland with freezing winter temperatures, I know I have to make sure that entire edge is dry before fixing that gouge, otherwise the water inside will freeze and crack over winter. So now am I to sand down the whole edge, dry out the area, and fiberglass is up?
 
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sublime297

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

Also, I have a sneaking suspicion the transom gouge happened from a fork operator at my marina (the boat is kept in a boatel). Are forklifts known to cause damage like this? If so, can I reinforce the entire edge, even the good side?
 
sqbtr

sqbtr

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

Looks like it's been leaking for quite some time. I would definately be checking that transom for rot. Take some core samples from the inside.
 
mrdjflores

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

dill some core samples into the transom,,,from the inside of the boat,,,just dont drill all the way through...
drill in random areas but make sure you get a few near the bottom of the transom.
check the wood shavings for signs of rot.

if there's rot...replace the transom.

remember...
safety is #1
safety is #2
safety is #3
safety is #4
safety is #5
using your boat is #6
 
Woodonglass

Woodonglass

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Re: Fiberglass/Hull Repair Advice - Pics Posted

The above is 100% correct. A "Band Aid" Resin INjection of Antifreeze Dry out is only for Limited areas and AT BEST a Temporary fix for very SMALL areas. The core sample shavings will tell you if your's is limited or extensive. Let us know what the core samples reveal. You are correct that you cannot glass as long as it is weeping water. the others can be repaired with marinetex if you want to go that route. I prefer to use thickened resin with glass fibers and then gelcoat. On the smaller ones you can just use thickened gelcoat.
 
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