Looking for advice, Sea Chaser 175

[MAC ATTACK]

I own a new to me Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser 175. When I bought it I knew it had been used hard. There are many scrapes/gouges on the bottom of the hull from being used in the flats. I plan to fill the deep scrapes/gouges (a couple of small spots are through the gelcoat) and paint the area about 12 inches on either side of the keel, almost the full length of the boat.

I am experienced in bodywork (bondo, fiberglass), but need help on the right products to use for filling/painting.

My plan for now is to use Marine-Tex white epoxy for a filler, but am unsure about what to topcoat it with. I know that gelcoat does not adhere well to Marine-Tex, but what about other coatings? It will be only the underside so I am not worried about exact match or shine. I am more concerned with preserving the gelcoat and fiberglass.

Any tips will be greatly appreciated!

 

[MAC ATTACK]

Re: Looking for advice, Sea Chaser 175

ok, I found the (supposedly) matching color gelcoat here on iboats. Spectrum brand. Although a quart is more than I need, would this be the best route?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Looking for advice, Sea Chaser 175

If you plan on the hull to continue to have some abuse, as most skiffs do, then I'd highly recommend staying with the Gelcoat. This means you'll need to stay with a poly based filler and NOT the marine tex. You can make your own structural Poly Resin filler using this formula. 2 cups Polyester Resin (unwaxed laminating resin, NOT Bondo resin sold in Auto Stores or Lowe's), 4 cups Cabosil, 2 Tablespoons of 1/4" chopped milled fibers, 5 cc's MEKP catalyst Hardener. Use a dremel tool to grind out all the gouges and then 40 grit sand paper to taper the edges. Wipe down and clean well with acetone. Mix all the ingredients for 30 - 45 seconds and then use plastic putty knife to fill gouges. Once it cures ( about an hour) Sand, fair, and apply 2-3 thick coats of Gelcoat. A Preval sprayer from Home Depot is a great way to apply the gelcoat. Make sure to either put wax in the last coat or spray some PVA over it just as it starts to tack up. Once the gel cures you can sand, buff and shine. It will be much more durable than paint. Any whooooo...that's how this Old dumb Okie would do it.

 

[MAC ATTACK]

Re: Looking for advice, Sea Chaser 175

Thank you. I would like to use a filler, hopefully 2-part, that I can mix/spread/sand and then gelcoat over it. Not sure I would be good at any more than 2 ingredients What is a good filler for below the water line? I have used marine tex but it is not good with gelcoat. I have read about 3M premium filler, evercoat polyester gel, can anyone recommend an over the counter that works the best?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Looking for advice, Sea Chaser 175

You need a Structural Marine Filler. It's pricey and basically the formula I described previously. Mixing it up is really easy and straight forward but if you want to buy it this is what I'd recommend. You will probably need the 3M Premium to do final fairing to get rid of the porosity of the structural stuff.

 

[MAC ATTACK]

Re: Looking for advice, Sea Chaser 175

Thank you. I have it marked online. I will order both.