Swim Platform repair

[gapple12]

I recently purchased a 2006 Chaparral 246 and the swim platform has a few chips and cracks in it. Without removing the platform and repainting it all, is there a way to just fill the chips and cracks? Maybe just a white filler of some sort? Could I use a white gel coat paint ?

 

[JASinIL2006]

If it's fiberglass (as opposed to some sort of plastic), you could use some thickened gel coat (gel coat paste).

https://www.iboats.com/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=gel+coat+paste

 

[gapple12]

If it's fiberglass (as opposed to some sort of plastic), you could use some thickened gel coat (gel coat paste).

https://www.iboats.com/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=gel+coat+paste

Thanks, I have some on order for some other repairs, was curious if it would stick to fiberglass.

 

[sogood]

Speaking of which, during the refurb of my Wellcraft, I also had a repair to make to the swim platform. It had a large chunk missing off one corner and didn't look too pretty. So, first I heated and bent a strip of plastic and pop riveted it to the inner lip of the transom, with some fine wire mesh sandwiched in between.This gave the filler that followed something to cling to. Then some rubbing and filling etc. before it was ready for paint. A lot better!
I've also recently fitted a heavy aluminium plate beneath the platform at the ladder, as there was some small cracks, but big flexing whenever I pulled myself up onto the ladder. Now it's as solid as a rock.

 

[gapple12]

Speaking of which, during the refurb of my Wellcraft, I also had a repair to make to the swim platform. It had a large chunk missing off one corner and didn't look too pretty. So, first I heated and bent a strip of plastic and pop riveted it to the inner lip of the transom, with some fine wire mesh sandwiched in between.This gave the filler that followed something to cling to. Then some rubbing and filling etc. before it was ready for paint. A lot better!
I've also recently fitted a heavy aluminium plate beneath the platform at the ladder, as there was some small cracks, but big flexing whenever I pulled myself up onto the ladder. Now it's as solid as a rock.

Wow, great work. So that was gel coat you used to fill it ?

 

[sogood]

Thanks and no, it's just regular body filler or Bondo as you might call it across the pond. I just gave it a lick of regular white household paint to tidy it up, which works fine, as the rest of the platform isn't exactly pristine. Had I used 2 pack or similar, it would have stood out like a sore thumb!

 

[Woodonglass]

Sorry but house paint is NOT suitable for a Marine environment and I may Look ok but it won't have much longevity.