Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

[ChrisAG]

Just as the title says, I have a small, 1-inch bit of gelcoat that was chipped off the bottom of my 17-ft bowrider, at the forward keel (hull is a typical modified V). The fiberglass weaving is visible. I don't think it is leaking but I'd like to repair it. Colour matching is not an issue since this area is always submerged.

Are there any recommendations on a repair kit? Any tips?

 

[chris75h]

Re: Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

I dont remember the kit I bought but it was one from West marine. It was very simple just mix the product and smooth on. It came with an applicator and a small piece of plastic to tape over the damaged area in order to make the transition smooth but I used wax paper and it worked a little better for me. Once it dried I sanded it and took the buffer to the area.

I really think it is simple and you wont have any issues. I am sure others have more info but this is what I did.

Good luck

Chris

 

[dan t.]

Re: Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

marinetex,works great and has 101 other uses

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

you can get it here on i-boats
http://www.iboats.com/2-Oz-Jr-Grey-...3163078--**********.297395192--view_id.273652


works well for what you want and comes in white also. can be color stained but you said thats not a problem. you can see the spot in pict. next to the spare tire that was patched. also might consider keel shield like in pict if you don't have one. they are also sold here as well.



get a pice of plastic or wax paper,haven't use wax paper my self, and use masking tape to tape a flap under the spot to fix. mix and smooth on marine tex with a bondo squeegee. pull flap up over patch and tape and smooth over the top of the plastic. let dry for a day and remove. if done right you wont have to sand or just wet sand with 1500 to blend. if i had better color match on this patch you wouldnt even see it
good luck chris

 

[Southern Appal]

Re: Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

I have the same problem, but the damage is almost the entire length of the keel (the pic is just a portion). I can't tell whether it leaks, but a lot of water has come out of the bow and into the stern cupful by cupful. I was thinking Marine-Tex, but application and sanding lying on my back in the yard doesn't appeal.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

I have the same problem, but the damage is almost the entire length of the keel (the pic is just a portion). I can't tell whether it leaks, but a lot of water has come out of the bow and into the stern cupful by cupful. I was thinking Marine-Tex, but application and sanding lying on my back in the yard doesn't appeal.

you are right raw fiber glass like in your pic will soak up water

 

[arks]

Re: Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

I say Marine-Tex.
It's easy to use- even on your back.

 

[chris75h]

Re: Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

The only advice I have about lying on your back and applying any patch is DO NOT let it fall and land on your armpit. I am speaking from experience here. I cried for a week haha.

 

[wood2turn]

Re: Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

Just be sure you get the entire hull dry BEFORE you patch it. If you don't the moisture will continue to delaminate the layers and will cause blisters to form...the results could be VERY EXPENSIVE! Please don't ask me how I learned this...it pains me to think about it.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Keel gelcoat chipped down to fiberglass

Hmmm... good point, I suppose the fiberglass could have soaked up some water, despite being only an inch long and a quarter inch wide. The boat has been stored outdoors on a trailer in mostly freezing temperatures, but there have been several days of above freezing weather... I hope this has been enough to allow any moisture to evaporate.