bottom finish

[scruffy_fish]

Took most of the scratches, nicks, and dents out of the gel coat on the keel using Marine-tex epoxy. Everything is sanded smooth. <br />What next? Do I need to apply a new gel coat or just buff the bottom smooth? White boat so I don't want to paint, as I don't think I will be able to match the color exactly.<br />Any help will be appricated.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: bottom finish

The layer of gelcoat will seal up the repair and allow you to polish it up.Almost impossible to get an exact color match.Charlie

 

[scruffy_fish]

Re: bottom finish

CC, Any recommendations on a brand of gel coat? Will I have to spray it on or can it be rolled?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: bottom finish

You can actually smoothe some on and wet sand it to a finish.I have had good luck with the gel paste but you may not have too much room to apply depending on how smoothe it is now.Charlie

 

[Hopsdak]

Re: bottom finish

I ended up fixing a ding that the previous owner did on my GC180.<br />And for some reason the color didn't come out as planned..<br />It was a first for me and i've never seen it done. On the up side atleast it's nice and smooth now!!<br />Don't laugh <br />Before:<br /> http://www.uberstorage.com/tex/public/Boat/keel1.jpg <br /> http://www.uberstorage.com/tex/public/Boat/keel2.JPG <br />After:<br /> http://www.uberstorage.com/tex/public/Boat/repair1.JPG <br /> http://www.uberstorage.com/tex/public/Boat/repair2.JPG <br />I may just install a keel gaurd and call it good. The kit i bought was 20 buxs and i had to mix the dye into the resin. It was pretty easy, just take more time matching the color than i did.<br />--Hop

 

[scruffy_fish]

Re: bottom finish

Hops, Your repair looks pretty much like mine. I was looking to blend in the colors better. Thought that the gel coat would do that? A keel guard maybe the easier way out.

 

[Hopsdak]

Re: bottom finish

I patched mine with jellcoat. I just got the color wrong. You could go over it with another coat of jell if you can match the color but it will be hard to do if the bottom is already smooth. Once you start sanding you may sand too much and get back into the marine-tex. I did that in this pic. <br /> http://www.uberstorage.com/tex/public/Boat/repair3.JPG <br />Took more material off than needed. If you have it sealed up you can always hide it with a keel guard and you won't have to worry about doing damage to it again. I think that is the route I'm going to go. <br />Good luck,<br /> Hop