Fix gel coat or use keel guard

CapriBX

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Best to get it as dry as possible before beginning the work outside. Homemade pigs from pillow cases and cat liter/oil dry. Heat gun. You'll know when you start sanding the keel down if moisture is still oozing.
You'll have all the materials to lay up a few layers on the inside here. ...belt and suspenders.
Yeah, I left everything open for now. Going to make one of those tomorrow and leave it in there. It's pretty dry now, but I won't start working on it for awhile anyway. That will give it time to be a desert.
 

CapriBX

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For those of you who may be interested, I ordered all of my supplies this weekend from US Composites. Once it all comes in, I will start prepping and fixing. Gotta get her ready for warm weather.
 

CapriBX

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Got started on sanding everything down. Looks pretty good to me. Need to lay fiberglass now.
 

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Joined
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Got started on sanding everything down. Looks pretty good to me. Need to lay fiberglass now.
Following this thread with great interest! I just inherited an old Checkmate from my dad and there is a leak on the front keel very similar to yours (see pics). I was hoping to be able to patch it myself and with the help of this forum and this thread I think I'll give it a shot. I hope you will keep posting your progress. It's a great help to people like myself. Good luck on your project!

What was the total cost of all the supplies at US composites, if you don't mind saying?
 

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CapriBX

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 31, 2022
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75
Following this thread with great interest! I just inherited an old Checkmate from my dad and there is a leak on the front keel very similar to yours (see pics). I was hoping to be able to patch it myself and with the help of this forum and this thread I think I'll give it a shot. I hope you will keep posting your progress. It's a great help to people like myself. Good luck on your project!

What was the total cost of all the supplies at US composites, if you don't mind saying?
For all the items I purchased it was $180.89, plus some other sanding things as well that I bought separately.
 

nola mike

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For all the items I purchased it was $180.89, plus some other sanding things as well that I bought separately.
The shipping of the resin is the killer. IIRC there is no discount when you order multiple gallons so might as well order them as you go unless you're in a hurry
 

CapriBX

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The shipping of the resin is the killer. IIRC there is no discount when you order multiple gallons so might as well order them as you go unless you're in a hurry
$180.89 was the out the door price. I don't remember what the shipping cost.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Following this thread with great interest! I just inherited an old Checkmate from my dad and there is a leak on the front keel very similar to yours (see pics). I was hoping to be able to patch it myself and with the help of this forum and this thread I think I'll give it a shot. I hope you will keep posting your progress. It's a great help to people like myself. Good luck on your project!

What was the total cost of all the supplies at US composites, if you don't mind saying?
Start your own thread so we can help
 

CapriBX

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Jul 31, 2022
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Got the fiberglass laid. It’s a little messy, but I think I can sand it. Then it’s getting gel coated anyway.

Also, note: long sleeves. Polyester resin gets quite hot on your skin.
 

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CapriBX

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Finished sanding everything down smooth. Gel coat tomorrow. So far, so good. Realized I ordered white instead of almond. Oh well. It’s the bottom of the boat so who cares.
 

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CapriBX

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Wasn't able to get to the gel coat. Didn't get above 70 yesterday and didn't want to chance it not curing properly. Supposed to be warmer this weekend, so i'll do it then.

I'm pretty satisfied with the way the fiberglass turned out though. I'm pretty proud for never having done anything with FG.
 

flashback

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Your on your way, nice job. Now take a cold shower. You won't itch as bad...
 

CapriBX

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so, I got the gel coat on there at least. I tried to make it thicker rather than having thin spots. Hopefully I can sand it down smooth. This is not easy stuff to work with upside down.
 

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CapriBX

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Decided to use my new found fiberglass skills to make a new ski locker hatch. Can’t decide if I want to gelcoat it or put carpet on.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Decided to use my new found fiberglass skills to make a new ski locker hatch. Can’t decide if I want to gelcoat it or put carpet on.
Gel coat to seal it, and carpet id you want
 
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