Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

[salmonee]

Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches? Are there any concerns to the scratches? The bottom of the boat is painted with some kind of paint which I assume is for protecting the fiberglass during beaching. I assume that's why it's all scratched up?

 

[salmonee]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

What are my options for updating the seats? Can you take the seats out of a newer model or another boat brand and swamp em in? Another concern that I have is with the roller trailer? I believe the stock trailer uses bunks. Is the roller somehow detrimental to the hull structure? I hear that launching from roller trailer can be quite nasty if you don't know what your doing. The trailer is probably my biggest concern.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

Im just looking at the last 3 photos as I assume you posted the motor photos by accident. Those scratches are in your gelcoat, not the fiberglass. I can see a bit of fiberglass in the last photo but i dont think it went all the way. They seem to be cosmetic in nature an as high as they are from the water line I would not worry about them much. You can get a gelcoat repair kit but I have never had much luck with matching the color right.
The black paint at the bottom of the hull looks like antifouling paint. It is applied to keep the hull clean when you leave your boat in the water for extended periods of time. If you trailer the boat then you dont need it but since it is there just keep it. If you do leave your boat in the water for extended periods of time you have to reapply the antifouling paint every some years, not sure what the period is.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

I dont have experience with your particular boat but most seats can be re-upholstered. Also, if you look at the bottom of the seats you should see 4 screws connecting your seats to the pedestal base. Most seats are compatible and you can pick new seats from almost any store that sells marine accessories.
As far as bunk vs roller trailers... It is mostly a matter of preference. Roller trailers allows your boat to roll easier off the trailer as for bunk trailers you really have to get your boat floating some before taking it out. Keep a chain attached to your bow and the trailer all the time. Do not disconnect it until your boat is in the water as boats in roller trailers has a nasty tendency to go flying off the trailer when backing in the ramp ( or anywhere else for that matter). If the rollers are placed properly and in good working condition they should not cause any damage to your hull. If you have questions specific to your trailer post them in the trailer section of the forum. You will get more answers and tips there from the experts..

Good luck, looks like a new to you boat... Congratulations!

 

[superpop]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

The scratches look cosmetic and can be patched and painted. It is really hard to match white gel coat though. The bottom paint is indeed for boats that are stored in the water. It does not hurt anything and is more of a necessity if you are planning on storing the boat in the water long term. It is also typically found on boats that spend time in the salt water as it keeps barnacles and such from growing on the bottom. The seats can be replaced and I would guess you can find a good deal on replacement seats on eBay or even Iboats. Roller or Bunk trailer are both good, I prefer the bunks because they tend to be a little less tricky when you are launching. They are both good though and either will work fine with this boat.

 

[superpop]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

And if this is your first boat, you will only add to these scratches as you learn to drive the boat around immovable objects like docks ect.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

The scratches are of no concern and I didn't see anything wrong with the seats. I assume this is a boat you're looking to buy, from the pic's it looks like a good candidate, use the defects to lower the price.

You need to check the engine, plus check for rot too.

 

[kandil]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

If it was me I would patch and Gelcoat all this scratches the Gelcoat is not doing it is job water proofing the fiber glass and I can see the fiber in some off your photos.

 

[stuartboater]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

Marine Tex

If you push on the fiber inside of the cracks and it feels spongy then you have a problem. You may have wet and rotting under the coat. Thats a bad thing.
Dont attempt to fix a problem like this by yourself if you dont have the experience, unless you dont care too much about how it is going to look when finished.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

Come on guys, these are minor scratches that are of little or no concern, they require no attention other than for cosmetic reasons.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

Come on guys, these are minor scratches that are of little or no concern, they require no attention other than for cosmetic reasons.

Looks like about 5-10 minutes of work to me..little fairing compound 2 mins... 8 mins of sanding... of course

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Can you patch up these fiberglass scratches

Looks like about 5-10 minutes of work to me..little fairing compound 2 mins... 8 mins of sanding... of course[/QUOTE

I agree:
I fixed some gouges like that with.........don't laugh now,

Appliance enamel! (eggshell) touch-up bottle/w brush almost like fingernail polish.

The stuff is really thick to fill nicks it dries rock hard, a little finessed leveling and presto. I just had the a bottle laying around after i repaired a nick in the bathtub and figured what the heck, the gouges are completely hidden now.