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

 

[frigidbass]

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.

Did you own the same make/model or this actual boat in the past? I'm having a hell of a time getting the trailer registered in NY without a VIN

 

[frigidbass]

Thanks everyone, I'm going to fix it before applying the keel guard. Any recommended products to use? Or does the Marine Coat One Patch Paste Gel Coat Repair sound good enough?

 

[frigidbass]

I can't seem to edit on mobile, hence another post.

Is TotalBoat ISO/NPG gelcoat good? Should I add wax for the last layer?

 

[todhunter]

I used US Composites. Buy unwaxed white gelcoat, a small bottle of wax additive, and a small tub of cabosil. Yes, add wax to the last layer.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Did you own the same make/model or this actual boat in the past? I'm having a hell of a time getting the trailer registered in NY without a VIN

No I have a Chaparral. I meant basically I was in your shoes with repairing a keel. The glass needs to be sealed up to prevent any water intrusion and breaking down of the fibers. Believe it or not, fiberglass without gelcoat, water will eventually draw into the fibers and begin to weaken the bond. Fiberglass needs to be sealed.

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

Believe it or not, fiberglass without gelcoat, water will eventually draw into the fibers and begin to weaken the bond.

It will with gel too. Gel is porous, and water will soak through eventually. That's what causes blisters on the bottom.

 

[cyclops222]

Bad mixture of the SEALING gel coat causes blisters.