Repair before installing Keelguard?

[frigidbass]

Hi,
Being this is my first boat, I wanted to ensure I don't cut corners. I have no idea if the gelcoat should be repaired before installing a keel guard. It appears that a previous owner did apply *something* to the area. Should I apply a material like the Marine Coat One Patch Paste Gel Coat Repair? Thank you!

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

You don't really need to. The epoxy for the keel guard will stick to it and seal it. Unless some of the damage will extend past the guard.

 

[Scott Danforth]

looks like someone smeared auto body filler over the keel rash.

the talc based auto-body filler will come loose when exposed to water

 

[bajaman123]

Fix it right before putting on the keel guard...would be my suggestion.

 

[todhunter]

Grind out the bondo, fill with thickened gelcoat, sand to rough shape, roll on some gelcoat, then install the keel shield. I did this on mine - pics on page 24 of the thread linked in my signature.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

I agree. If it were mine, (which it was), fix the gel coat, then install the keelgard. The finish doesn’t need to be perfect since it being covered, but you’ll permanently seal that exposed glass.

 

[froggy1150]

I did repaired and gelled mine too. Just to seal it up