Questions about repairing the boat hull

[jbp123]

This is my first boat (1998 Sylvan 180 bowrider 4.3L). I've had it two years and it's really been a great boat. It's my "learner boat".

The hull has a bit of damage on and around the leading edge (what do you call this?) starting about 3 feet from the front and covering about 4 feet. The damage looks like abrasive damage as opposed to chips caused by hitting something. If I had to guess I would say the previous owner spent a lot of time with the boat pushed up on a sandbar. Pictures are below.

Is the boat safe like this?

From reading the forum it sounds like Marine Tex might be the right stuff to use. I'm looking for advice on what to do.

-Jim

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Questions about repairing the boat hull

Welcome to iBoats!

I would say your appraisal of the damage is spot on. It appears to be typical Keel Damage caused by beaching. You can use Marine Tex and then put a Keel Guard ($100.00) on her or you could sand and feather and lay a couple of strips of Chopped Strand Mat. Sand and Fair and either spray some gelcoat on her and sand and buff, or Paint it. ($50.00) Either way, easy fix and not much money.


http://www.iboats.com/KeelGuard-Lig...3714385--**********.462171826--view_id.391116

 

[jbp123]

Re: Questions about repairing the boat hull

Thanks for the advice. I'll do the repairs before it goes in the water next summer.

Is Marine-Tex sort of like Bondo for boats?

 

[BWT]

Re: Questions about repairing the boat hull

If it were me I would just brush on some gelcoat to cover and seal the exposed glass and put on a guard. I don't see anything telling me that more glass needs to be laid up (won't hurt, but IMO don't think it's necessary. Like Wood said, simple fix for what is more of a cosmetic issue...

Also, tex is not really like bondo; kinda sorta (both polyester based) but the strength and water-proofing (porosity) is much different

Hope this helps!

~BWT

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Questions about repairing the boat hull

My suggestion for laying additional glass was to build up the area a little bit in case additional beaching were to occur. But.. BWT is correct some gelcoat would fix the problem adequately IF you use a Keel guard. But if you don't plan on Beaching the boat very much then Gelcoat would be all that's needed.

 

[BWT]

Re: Questions about repairing the boat hull

^^^ Well put...

~BWT