Need help with Hull Repair

[mgiersberg]

What is the best way to fix something like this? (see pictures) I did the coin test and there did not seem to be a difference in sound in or around the area. Would I be able to use a fiberglass filler and then gelcoat, or maybe "peanut butter" filler and gelcoat. or will i need to do a fiberglass layup? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[salty87]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

pretty hard to tell what that is.

how big is the area? where is it on the boat? what happened/caused the damage?

you might be able to do any of those but knowing more about what we're looking at would really get you a better answer.

 

[mgiersberg]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

I apologize for leaving out that info. This is actually damage to a Jet-Ski hull. The size of the damage is only about 4 inches by 8 inches or about the size of my hand if I hold it up to it. It is located on the bottom of the Hull just about in the center. I am not sure how the damage happened, if I did this or it was already there. I inspected the hull upon purchase but this could have easily been missed as it is hard to see when on the trailer. Maybe from beaching??

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

Here's my response from when you posted this last week, nothing has changed.

It would take a pretty good whack to do that, so if you did it you'd know it.

Frequently the type of resin used to make PWC hulls and body work doesn't like to be repaired with normal polyester resin, so its better to use epoxy.

There's some fractured glass below the surface and it would be nice if you could do a layup on the inside too, but if not that's OK. Sand down the surface and lay a few layers of cloth over the bad area (with epoxy). when its hard sand it to the correct shape and paint it if you want it to look better, but its not needed. Read a few other threads about using epoxy for more details if you're not sure how to play with it.

 

[mgiersberg]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

I reposted due to the fact no one was giving any response. I figured maybe a new post would spark new interest.

 

[salty87]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

you're not going to get a better response than you get from ondarvr.

he's da-man when it comes to resins and hulls.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

Hello MG...

Onadar is correct with using epoxy or vinylester only.

You dont need a " coin " tap test when dealing with exposed FG damage..you need a grinder with 24 grit. grind out All that white dead glass ( and prey that you do not grind through .. if you do you Need INSIDE lams to rivet the repair in glass ).

That damage didnt come from beaching or dead blow impact m8..it came from "ripping". Something caught it sharp and grabbed the skin ( see those sharp jagged edges in your gelcoat.. that is um..not normal ).

Do not use bondo or other fast fills..use your resin and cabosil to fair out. After your first light tack coat of Gelcoat use a spreader to squegee all your pinholes .. then finish off with your sprays of Gel.

YD.

 

[mgiersberg]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

I know bondo is a no-no, but what about a fiberglass filler? The type that is a resin with short strands of glass mixed in, sort of has a thick consistency to it. Would that work?
I could sand it down, feather the edges, use the filler over the bad area, sand cured filler back to shape then paint/gelcoat? Would this be acceptable?

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

Nope..not me at least..

you need to find out how deep it goes first hand..

If its not too deep then use mat and resin.

Cream harden fillers just dont do it for my repairs..and why ? they only give you an opportunity to fast cure so you can get on with the next step. It would not take much longer for you to do it with mat. But will be WAY better.

YD.

 

[mgiersberg]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

Okay, I did this repair over the weekend.
First I took the area down with a 60 grit sandpaper, making the area about 2 inches larger in each direction. After heavy sanding I cleaned the area with acetone and tack cloth to remove contaminants and dust. Once clean I applied resing and 1.5 oz mat to cover the area. Once dry I did another layer of glass and let set. After the resin set I again hit it with an 80 grit sand paper to take the new glass and resin down to match the shape of the hull. Again cleaned the area with acetone and hit the repair area with just white spray paint. I didn't really see the need for gelcoat. Thanks to all for the input, it really helped in making the repair

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Need help with Hull Repair

No problem m8..

Juuust.. one thing for you or any other readers that would use this thread for knowledge .. Please DO NOT use a tack rag for Any fiberglass repairs !

Tack rags are only for prepping topcoat paints ..

Just acetone your repair. Thats the only thing you need to clean it.

Glad we could help though

YD.