fiberglass repair procedure

[mike b.]

I need to know from step one how to repair a approximately 5inch by 3inch gash(about1/8 to 1/4 inch deep) on the side of my fiberglass boat just above the water line.What do I buy,where to get it from?The boat is eggshell offwhite colored with gel coat.This repair will be very visible so I want do it right the first time.Ive done minor bodywork to cars before so Im familiar with sanding,bondo etc.never any fiberglass repairs though.<br />HELP!<br />p.s. there is a west marine store near me.

 

[Hooty]

Re: fiberglass repair procedure

Tell me loggerhead, how deep are we talking about? Just gelcoat damage or worse?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[mike b.]

Re: fiberglass repair procedure

Its about1/8-1/4 inch deep.Its past the gelcoat and strands of fiberglass are showing at the deepest point.

 

[Hooty]

Re: fiberglass repair procedure

Zounds like it's pretty much all cosmetic damage so I wouldn't worry about the glass. I'd putty it up with Marine Tex putty and paint. It's gonna be almost impossible to match the repair with gelcoat, that's why I'd paint it. Feather the edges of the gash with wet & dry and putty in two or three applications to eliminate shrinkage problems. Sand smooth and paint.<br /><br />g'luck & c/6<br /><br />Hooty