gel coat

[jlscjs]

cuts in bottom of fiberglass boat

Just purchased a fiberglass crappie boat. Took it out before buying, it does not take on any water, no bubbles or peeling on the bottom, just a couple of cuts about 10 inches long and maybe 1/16-1/8 deep. Is this normal for a boat built in 89 and is there anything I can do as far as filling in the cuts with a fiberglass mixture? First fiberglass boat ever purchased and would like to touch up the bottom for more protection down the road. Any info that anyone can share with me as far as the above topic or what to use on the hull to clean with would greatly be appreciated.

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

It's hard to offer advice sight unseen. Do you have a couple of pictures?

 

[jlscjs]

Welcome aboard.

It's hard to offer advice sight unseen. Do you have a couple of pictures?

heres some pics, they look to be no more than 1/16 to 1/8 deep, really hard to tell
can't get the pics to attach, says invalid file data

 

[jlscjs]

tried you private message but sam thing, "invalid file data"

 

[GA_Boater]

Click on the Forum Help in the sig below and look at the Photo Upload Tutorial. Using a free account at Photobucket and pasting the IMG code into your post is the easiest way to show pics in your posts.

 

[tpenfield]

Nothing normal about cuts in a boat hull. So, you will want to fix it and once you get some pictures posted, replies should be more specific.

 

[jbcurt00]

Cuts or scrapes in the gelcoat?

If you cant see the weave of fiberglass exposed in the scrapes, then its a cosmetic repair if the gelcoat.

If you can see fiberglass weave, the fiberglass is showing or penetrated, then its a different repair.

Pix will help

 

[jlscjs]

can't get photobucket to work, have to try something else, sorry

 

[jbcurt00]

Now you've made enough posts try uploading them again.

Are you using an apple or android tablet/phone? I dont have any problem w Photobucket from my phone, but I dont use their app, I just load their webpage in my phones browser
.

 

[jlscjs]

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums...ew folder _2_/20151215_164805_zpstui2ak5t.jpg

 

[jbcurt00]

You posted the http:// code

Copy the other one, the IMG code:

 

[jlscjs]

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/...pstui2ak5t.jpg

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums...ew folder _2_/20151215_164736_zpsdfjma8si.jpg

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums...ew folder _2_/20151215_164728_zpsjugobruq.jpg

 

[jlscjs]

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/...pstui2ak5t.jpg

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums...ew folder _2_/20151215_164736_zpsdfjma8si.jpg

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums...ew folder _2_/20151215_164728_zpsjugobruq.jpg

here are some pics. hope they will help

 

[jlscjs]

here are some pics. hope they will help

the worst of the cuts could be about 1`/8 in, could not see the material, what would I use to fill in these cuts?

 

[jbcurt00]

As it's a fishing boat, I don't think you'll be overly concerned about color match, you just want to fill the scratches and prevent further damage.

Iboats sells gelcoat repair kits
http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Gel-Coat-Repair/dm/view_id.246645

 

[jlscjs]

Is is possible to fix little scratches with gel coat then use a automotive touch up paint to cover the dried gel coat? I have an older procraft fishing boat with some minor ding's on the side that I would like to repair to prevent further damage., not too concerned with matching perfect, or do they sell a gel coat repair that dries clear/

Mod EDIT Merged w the other topic about this repair.

 

[Woodonglass]

Since this is below the water line I'd recommend using a dremel with a V-grooving bit to grind the larger ones out and feather them back to ensure all the Yuck and loose stuff was out. The wash well with acetone. Then I'd use Polyester Resin and Cabosil and some 1/8" short strand CSM fibers to make a thickened putty/paste and use 1% hardener and a bondo spreader to scrape fill all the scratches and gouges. After about 2 hours when it was good and hard, I'd sand it smooth then use some 3M premium filler to fill in any other pin holes or voids and do final sanding and fairing. Since it's a metal flake paint, you could prolly go to an Auto Parts store and get a Silver Metal flake touch up paint that might get ya fairly close. Then 2-3 coats of clear coat and your done. Once your in the lake the fish won't care if it a perfect match. That's what this Old Dumb Okie would prolly do. Take for what it's worth!!!!

 

[ondarvr]

Nothing in the pic requires fixing, so it could be left as is until you decide to get around to doing it, or not.