How do I fix bottom of boat

[victorc1]

I have a 1996 Monterey 180 SCR. The 2 bottom rollers on my trailer broke and when I throw the boat in the water the trailer scraped the bottom of my boat. I replaced the rollers but now how do I fix the bottom of boat?

 

[navis]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

How bad is the scrape? Are you talking a cosmetic fix to make it look good, or is there structural issues? Is it just a scrape in the gel coat or is it a gouge in the fiberglass?

As always, pictures speak a thousand words.

 

[victorc1]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

Probably just a cosmetic fix to make it look good, its just a scrape in the gel coat.

 

[lowkee]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

- Sand each scratch with 60 grit
- Apply gel coat (tinted to match color as close as possible) with a small paint brush (those metal-shaft chemical brushes work wonders) .. Apply as thin as possible while still filling scratches.. gel coat is tough to sand
- Sand smooth with 100grit, then 220, then wet sand with 320grit, then 400grit
- Buff with polishing compound
- Wax with carnuba wax
- Go boating

 

[victorc1]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

Thanks, now the only thing is how do I lift the boat off of the trailer?

 

[RICHARD5]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

Thanks, now the only thing is how do I lift the boat off of the trailer?

The down and dirty method is to slide the boat fore or aft on the trailer to expose the problem areas. Chock the trailer at all wheels--fore and aft--and be aware of changing the center of gravity and what to expect. If there is not enough clearance you could jack the trailer onto jackstands.

For the small job you have I wouldn't bother putting the boat on blocks.

 

[victorc1]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

Here are some pictures of the bottom, the rubber on 2 rollers broke off and the boat scraped the trailer.

 

[victorc1]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

Is this a serious damage or cosmetic damage?

 

[RICHARD5]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

I wouldn't say it is serious but it aint just cosmetic. Water damage will make it get worse. I magnified the pictures and it looks like you have some small holes.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

Fill low spots w/marinetex, follow instructions. Install keel guard, follow instructions. There are a couple threads on lifting boat off trailer, use search function.

 

[victorc1]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

What's a keel guard?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: How do I fix bottom of boat

Web search keel guard. I'm too lazy to type out explaination.