Repair before installing Keelguard?

frigidbass

frigidbass

Cadet
Joined
Dec 20, 2024
Messages
12
Hi,
Being this is my first boat, I wanted to ensure I don't cut corners. I have no idea if the gelcoat should be repaired before installing a keel guard. It appears that a previous owner did apply *something* to the area. Should I apply a material like the Marine Coat One Patch Paste Gel Coat Repair? Thank you!signal-2025-04-21-104712.jpegsignal-2025-04-21-104712_002.jpeg
 
M

MikeSchinlaub

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 14, 2025
Messages
179
You don't really need to. The epoxy for the keel guard will stick to it and seal it. Unless some of the damage will extend past the guard.
 
T

todhunter

Canoeist
Joined
Sep 15, 2020
Messages
1,319
Grind out the bondo, fill with thickened gelcoat, sand to rough shape, roll on some gelcoat, then install the keel shield. I did this on mine - pics on page 24 of the thread linked in my signature.
 
Baylinerchuck

Baylinerchuck

Commander
Joined
Jul 29, 2016
Messages
2,728
I agree. If it were mine, (which it was), fix the gel coat, then install the keelgard. The finish doesn’t need to be perfect since it being covered, but you’ll permanently seal that exposed glass.
 
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