How do I patch this hole?

[Mygreenihc]

Hey guys,

Thanks to several of you, I am well on my way to having my boat looking like a boat again, but those pictures will have to wait until this weekend.

Below are several pictures of a hole in the gunwale of my bass boat. This hole was where the gas vent came through the hull. Scrubbing poles and piers have busted the fiberglass around it and wollered the hole out. I am not putting the vent back through this same place, so I would like to completely seal it back up. The whole is about two and a half inches long and a little over an inch wide. What is the best way for a newbie to accomplish this?

Edit: By the way, I forgot to mention that I can get to the backside of this hole somewhat. I can open a rear deck cover and reach my hand up and over to the hole. Just thought I woudl mention that.

Thanks for your help,
Brad

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: How do I patch this hole?

Patching the hole is a breeze, matching the gelcoat finish is a bit**. You can do all the repairs from the outside, becuase if you can just "feel" the inside it won't do much good, as you need to get a grinder to it.

You'll have to grind the outside about 3" past the hole all the way around and taper it in toward the hole. If you can reach in and place a backer plate (piece of formica works well) and hold it it place it'll help keep the batch from sagging in.

After the grinding cut pieces of CSM to fit the hole plus about and 1" and then cut more pieces progesively larger each time to reach the thickness needed. Once it's cured comes the gelcoat, the gelcoat on it's own is no problem either, but as I said before getting it to match that metal flake finish (for me anyway) is difficult at best.

Good luck,
CW

 

[greenbush future]

Re: How do I patch this hole?

Might be a good spot for one of those rod holders that you need to drill a hole about that big for. Just a wild idea that may help save a bunch of time and effort. A vent cover might look good there too.

 

[robert graham]

Re: How do I patch this hole?

A nice oval-shaped 1/8" stainless steel plate would cover it. About 2 or 3 very small stainless steel wood screws to hold it on, maybe some silicone under the plate to help waterproof it and hold it tight. If you take your time and do it right, it'll look like a decorative piece, there to improve the looks of the boat. Patching and matching that gel coat could kill a lot of time and never really be perfect.
Good Luck!