Gelcoat repair help

[DaveM]

I got bumped by another boat and I need some help figuring out what all I need to do to fix my gelcoat. You might be able to see the gelcoat damage in these pics, but what you can't see is a 4 inch crack that I can feel on the inside gunwale. This is on the starboard side stern, just above the fuel tank vent.

I have not done any type of repair like this and I have questions.
1. I'm sure the gelcoat has faded some since 1994, is there a way to match the color?
2. What about that crack, can I use epoxy or do I need to fiberglass it?
3. Maybe I forget the whole mess and file an insurance claim?

I welcome any and all suggestions.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Gelcoat repair help

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/17.htm

Here is a pretty good link to fiberglass repair. Yes, you can match the original gel coat color, but you will need to do it yourself with a kit.
I would repair from the inside - read article - . And if all else fails by all means call your insurance guy.

 

[DaveM]

Re: Gelcoat repair help

Nice article, Thanks!

 

[banjoport]

Re: Gelcoat repair help

This is not a newby fix. Call your insurance man, it is more involved than just filling the crack and gel coating particularly if the is anything structural involved. Sorry!

 

[DaveM]

Re: Gelcoat repair help

I can accept that, Banjo. I would, however, be interesting in what your thoughts are for fixing this. Curious minds you know...

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Gelcoat repair help

If you can get to the inside, then it will be easy to repair the crack, matching the gel coat can be more difficult. You can by a kit with pigments and try to match it yourself, or buy some pre-matched gel coat from Spectrum Color. It just depends on what you want to do.

 

[DaveM]

Re: Gelcoat repair help

I will have pretty easy access to the inside crack after removing the bilge vent hose. It is hard to see from the pics, but the damage is above the water line, higher than the swim platform and near the stern. When it comes to color matching I will need to guage how faded the white gelcoat has become.