Fiberglass hull damage - suggestions on how to repair

[brilamb16]

Borrow a boat to a non-boat owner and find yourself joining iboats so you can get some help. I've read a few threads, but none seem to specifically address this kind of fiberglass damage. The winch hook did some scratching to my fiberglass hull (18ft Sylvan Viper)... It's mostly above the waterline, but did cut through a few layers. From everything I've read online I will stay away from the quick fix, Bondo. Seems like the best repair would be to sand it down with 100 grit and use MarineTex. Since the hull is white (slightly stained from water), I don't think it's necessary (or even a good idea) to put gel coat over the epoxy resin. Also don't think it needs any cloth/matting, right? Local marina says $350-$400 to patch it, but seems like it's too simple to pay that much. That's why I want to check I'm not missing something or are they just trying to over-charge me? Thanks.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Fiberglass hull damage - suggestions on how to repair

You can just use the white Marine-Tex...

...or...

You could use a product called Duraglass...

Or this...
Seacare Fiberglass Repair Kit - Evercoat 108050 - iboats
Clean out the holes with a Uni-bit, rinse out with some acetone, squeegee in the Duraglas, leave slightly below the surface...sand the area with 100-120 grit all around, get a gel coat repair kit { General Boat Gel Coat Repair - iboats }, finish filling and fairing, sand, buff and polish...
Good luck and let us know how everything works out...
GT1M

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fiberglass hull damage - suggestions on how to repair

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,.... In my experience, Marine-tex might be too runny for that fix,...

Though I've used plastic packin' tape to "Hold" the stuff "in-place" til it kicks off before,...
With Great results,...

Nice shiny finish,...

 

[capttwb136]

Re: Fiberglass hull damage - suggestions on how to repair

Sand the edges of the damaged holes and bevel the edge. Put backing behind the holes and tape off repair area, leave a 1/2 inch of gelcoat showing around holes, fill with Kitty Hair (long strand fiberglass filler) let cure about 5-8 minutes, pull the tape. Rasp off the kitty hair that is sticking up past the holes before it cures all the way. Then sand with 80 grit paper. Then fill spot again with white filler and follow the same procedure and sand smooth. You can either spray gel coat or use a brush to cover repaired area. Spraying will be less sanding. Sand with wet sandpaper 320 grit, then 400 and finally 600. Then buff out. Boat as good as new.

 

[MAC ATTACK]

Re: Fiberglass hull damage - suggestions on how to repair

I am doing some repairs with white marine tex now. Yes it is runny, but if you mix a good bit and work it in, it will stay. After it just begins to set up you can add more to the top if needed. By set up I mean gets more consistency, not getting hard yet. You want the fresh mix to go right against the hull, as it starts chemically attaching right away. The marine tex is easily sanded and looks good on white when done. Also very very strong.