Gouge under water line?

Chuck5385

Recruit
Joined
Jul 5, 2013
Messages
3
I have a Sea Ray 180 Bow Rider and was preparing to take it out for the first time this year when I came across this:
IMG_00000055.jpg

I have never repaired fiberglass. Is this job too big for a beginner or should I leave this one to a professional?
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Gouge under water line?

Welcome to iBoats!
Kinda hard to tell from the pic abut the size. Is that about the size of your thumb nail? How deep is it? Does is just affect the Gelcoat? There appears to be some additional superficial spiderweb cracking extending out from the damaged area? What is the overall dimensions of the cracking?
 

Chuck5385

Recruit
Joined
Jul 5, 2013
Messages
3
Re: Gouge under water line?

Welcome to iBoats!
Kinda hard to tell from the pic abut the size. Is that about the size of your thumb nail? How deep is it? Does is just affect the Gelcoat? There appears to be some additional superficial spiderweb cracking extending out from the damaged area? What is the overall dimensions of the cracking?

Thank You. Thumb nail size would be correct. I believe it goes beyond the gelcoat but I am not sure what I am looking at. The cracking is about a half inch.
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Gouge under water line?

See if you can get a closer pic with out it blurring on you. If you push on it hard with your finger is it spongy or hard? Do you have a Dremel Tool?
 

Chuck5385

Recruit
Joined
Jul 5, 2013
Messages
3
Re: Gouge under water line?

I used a small screw driver and lightly pashed on the center (deepest point) of the damage and it felt solid., however it did appear to show fibers. I will attempt to take a close up photo.
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Gouge under water line?

I'm not a Gelcoat guru, but from what I've learned hanging out here on the forum, I think I'd use a Dremel tool to clean it out and "V" groove the spider cracks. Buy some Gelcoat Paste right here on iBoats Polyester Gel Paste - Evercoat 100695 - iboats Clean up the area with a toothbrush and Acetone first and then apply the paste. Over fill it. Let it cure for 3-4 hours then sand smooth. Start with 100 grit and work up to 800 wet sanding. It may not be a perfect match cuz gelcoat is hard to match exactly but I bet, You'll barely notice it.

Anywhooooo,

That's how I'd do it.;)
 
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