Fiberglass Repair

[FreeBeeTony]

I just noticed today, while raking the leaves in the back yard, that I have a small spot on the bottom of the boat that got damaged when I pulled the boat out. of the water, Looks like one of the rollers fell of the trailer and when I cranked the boat onto the trailer it scrapped the bottome and, in 1 spot it broke through the gel coat and I can see the fiberglass mat underneath. The spot is less than 2 inches long.

What can/should I use to repair this in the spring? Is MarineTex a possiblity?

 

[Old Salt Oz]

Re: Fiberglass Repair

You need to grind a little off to get back to a clean and dry surface with a good key for epoxy application.

You can mix closed call balloons with epoxy resin and smooth it out with a plastic ruler or batten.

After curing for at least 24 hours, wash the area with a running hose and a plastic pot scourer till the water no longer forms beads, this indicates the residue left from the curing process has been removed.

You can sand it with a 200 grit and apply 3 or 4 coats of epoxy resin, then epoxy primer and paint, or apply new gel coat.

Hope this helps.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Fiberglass Repair

Yup - Marine Tex will work just fine. Just make certain all is dry and free of wax, etc. The color will not match exactly but since it's on the bottom it shouldn't matter all that much. That is unless you're a perfectionist.
Just read the directions really thoroughly and you'll be good to go.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Fiberglass Repair

Thanks, was hoping MarineTex would work. Yes, it's on the bottom............not worried about the color.

Just wanted to make sure it would be strong enough.