Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

[hcontreras]

Hello everyone!

I just bought me a used boat, it's ready to go, but I just need to repair what appears to be a Gel Coat patch. I am assuming that is all I need, but I'm not sure. I certainly hope I do not need fiberglass work on top of that. Here is the deal:

I checked the area, and it seems to still be very solid, meaning the fiberglass that is exposed is still solid and still intact (does not have any soft spots). I have included these photos so that one of you can see it, and let me know if I can get away with just doing a Gel Coat Patch only. Let me know, what you all think.....Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

It'll need some glass, it's not hard though, so you can relax a little.

All the white torn and fuzzy glass needs to be removed before anything can be applied to it though.

 

[hcontreras]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

Do you think I would have to sand it, glass and resin it, then gel coat?

 

[drewpster]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

Judging by the photo it looks to me that gelcoat alone would be ok. However I can see that some glass is missing. It may be a good idea to do some sanding and look for more delaminating around the edges of the hole. It may also be necessary to build up the low area of the hole with a a little glass cloth so that a thin coat of gelcoat can be applied at the repair. If the gelcoat is applied to thick it can crack at the repair site.

 

[hcontreras]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

What grade sand paper should I start sanding it down with (before applying any glass, and gel coat)?

 

[drewpster]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

Are you doing it be hand?

 

[oops!]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

Do you think I would have to sand it, glass and resin it, then gel coat?

yuppers....not hard.....30 grit on a grinder.....scuff it.....(as said....all the white fuzzy stuff goes....)..

make sure you grind the area back a bit.....and feathered back a bit from the area so the glass has lots ot adhere to.
a 1/4 inch scrape will be 2 or 3 inch repair

then vaccume the area to clean it.....then clean it with aceitone....then get out the glass and resin......2 layers of csm.....a final finishing layer of tight woven cloth....

for an invisible repair anything you add will have to be below the surface level

when that is just about hard.....get out the 120 grit, and sand smooth....then up to 180 grit....make sure the area is cleaned with aceitone. then add gellcoat or marine tex.....light sand...buff....done

 

[drewpster]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

Agreed.
When the gelcoat is applied as the final layer, it is a good idea to build it up slightly high. (very slightly) Then after it has cured you can sand it back level.

 

[hcontreras]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

Awesome!! Awesome!!

I'll may be doing it by hand. I don't have a grinder. I suppose I can invest in one......

And since the patch will be extending over the seams (or creases) on both sides, can I add cloth and resin on the seams too? Would that be ok?

 

[oops!]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

you got a store down there called harbour freight?

a 4 inch 20 bucker will do.....just read the safety sticky at the top of the forum.....basic safety for grinding and glassing.....

get a rubber backing pad......and a flapper grincing disc......(strandard resin coated disc) grinding that area will take 3 mins max.......DO NOT PUSH TOO HARD....you dont want to go thru the hull....just remove the fuzzy stuff and scuff the area.

cheers
oops

 

[hcontreras]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

Thank you so much Oops and Dewpster! I now have some direction on how to go about getting this done. This is my first boat and hopefully my last repair.....But I somehow doubt it will be my last repair though! Thanks guys!

Henry

 

[drewpster]

Re: Do I just need a Gel Coat Repair?

Let is in on how turns out. We love pics around here and there is no shortage of advice. Welcome anytime.