How to fix these little holes?

[capri1600]

My project boat comes with some inherited problems including the holes where the snaps for the boat cover used to be.I need to fill each hole. Each has been dished a little with a grinder on the exterior. How should I procede in filling these holes?

 

[Bondo]

Re: How to fix these little holes?

Ayuh,... A spatula of fairing compound to fill 'em in,+ then sand 'em Smooth....

 

[capri1600]

Re: How to fix these little holes?

I have a fair amount of composite experience with aircraft type construction but none with boats. Is a fairing compound an epoxy mixed with reinforcement or is it more of a straight epoxy? Can I do the same thing with polyester resin and flox? Make a puddy and fill in the holes and dished out area? If I use a fairing compound, do you have one in particular you like? I was looking at the Interlux product as I am sort of drawn to the idea of roll and tipping the exterior of the boat myself so I'm sure their compound would be compatible with their own one part polyeurothane.

 

[Gelcoat-jon]

Re: How to fix these little holes?

It's just little snap holes. Evercoat makes a product called Polyester Glazing Putty. It's not your traditional glazing putties used in the car ind. This is marine grade. I've been useing at my shop for 12 years now. Works just like bondo, only alot stronger. We NEVER use bondo. There is your usual shrinkage, so spread it high and sand down. It is capatible with any paints out there, as long as area is primed properly. Thats the quick way. You could go with West Systems products, alittle $, but good!!!!!, no shrinkage. Now your committed though to epoxy. Better products but I'm a poly man. Now if it's dished out deep and bigger than a quarter, you must glass over putty, epoxy or poly. Good luck!!

 

[capri1600]

Re: How to fix these little holes?

I'm going to back the holes with a little mat and polyester resin. The outside has been dished a little smaller than a quarter at each hole. I think he was dishing out past gelcoat cracks. Anyway, I ordered Interlux Interprotect Watertite 2 part epoxy and will use that on the outside. It sounds like I can fill it a little high, allow to partially cure and then sand.

 

[fordmugg]

Re: How to fix these little holes?

i had some mounting holes on my boat and all i did was get some epoxy putty from home depot the kind you just rip off a section and mix and it worked fine ...sanded it smooth and it was good to go