Chips in gel coat. Need fixing or just drive

[j holmes]

I need a few opinions on this. So I just got a free 1973 Stuery 16' boat and motor from a friend. It has some chips in the gelcoat and the gelcoat is worn off of some of the hulls center line below the water line. No apparent damage to fiberglass I see no dents or crushed areas but fibers are visible . The question is what if I don't fix these right away? The boat was free and I don't want to sink a lot into it especially before I test it mechanically for a season. It will be on trailer when not in use not just parked in the water. What will happen if anything if I leave it this way?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Chips in gel coat. Need fixing or just drive

The area below the water line will suck up water into the fiberglass laminate. The chipped areas will also tend to absorb moisture.

It is best that you fix at least the stuff close to and below the water line.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Chips in gel coat. Need fixing or just drive

Probably not much more than has already happened. As long as it has not made it all the way through the underlying resin/fiberglass, it should still be somewhat water tight. But then again, some people think that fiberglass isn't water proof at all! I would just test it out and make sure the mechanicals are in order before you do any patchwork..

That being said, if its just the keel area, the patch work won't be very expensive, probably under $100.00

 

[j holmes]

Re: Chips in gel coat. Need fixing or just drive

For $100 I will just do it as long as it runs good the couple times on the water. I'm guessing it has been like this for awhile. Just hate spending $ on a free boat!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Chips in gel coat. Need fixing or just drive

Without pics its impossible to say if water will penetrate the glass. It all depends on how deep the damage is and how exposed the fibers of the glass are. Gelcoat is porous to some degree as is polyester resin but it is very negligible and you may be ok. The pics would tell the tale.

 

[j holmes]

Re: Chips in gel coat. Need fixing or just drive

I will try to put pics up tommorow. If I can figure it out. I already need to put in new helm so I just want to make sure the boat is worth it