boating with exposed fiberglass

[boating_4_fun]

I am looking at purchasing 20' 93 Bayliner CAPRI 2051 BR SPORT with a 4.3L that is in really good condition. The deck, seating, and engine have all been redone and are in good shape. He just has not gotten to the hull yet. On to the hull, it has numerous spots where the fiberglass is showing and the gel coat is chipped off and/or worn down. I checked most of the spots and the fiberglass is not soft or delaminating.
I have read several of the thread here regarding the fixing of these areas, so that is not my question.
My question has to deal with possible damage of boating like that. If these spots have been like this for a season or so, what should I be looking for? Should I be really worried about this? I know that this is something I can fix (might take more than a few days, but can be done). Or is this something that I should be very weary of?
Oh, I also check the transom and there are no stress cracks around the outdrive and it sounded ok when I was knocking on it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Les Robb]

Re: boating with exposed fiberglass

The gel coat has many purposes on a boat. Start with cosmetics and then add a little drag prevention, finally your protecting the glass itself. For short periods of time in water shouldn't be a problem. I would still repair and seal for cosmetic reason if nothing else.

Good luck ya'll

PS if the deck was done how about the stringers? And is there anyway he would let you drill a coupla exploratory holes (from inside) in the transom to check for rot if you agreed to purchase or seal on satisfactory results. It really is hard to tell soft from hard solid with a hammer unless you have a real basket case.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: boating with exposed fiberglass

If they are smaller areas Marine-Tex epoxy or 3M-5200 would seal it up.That would at least make a water tight repair.

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: boating with exposed fiberglass

a small section on the front of the keel and bottom had exposed fiberglass--sealed with 5200 and will do a gelcoat repair over winter--no problems that i can tell

 

[boating_4_fun]

Re: boating with exposed fiberglass

thank you all for the great input! This is what I love about his site..!