Gelcoat below waterline knicked

[sea_slueth]

I have a 1989 Grady White and when I pulled the boat out of the water yesterday, I noticed a two inch by 1 inch section of missing gelboat below the waterline.

The fiberglass did not look damaged and I do not believe there is any leak.

However, I'd like to fix it and was wondering how to do it.

Can I just buy gelcoat and put it on? Any helpful hints on prep work?

The bottom is painted so matching gelcoat colors isn't an issue.

Thoughts?

[Wolakrab]

Go to West Marine, Boater's World, or your local dealer and pick up a gelcoat repair kit; they are usually less than 40 bucks, depending on how large the kit is. It's an easy fix.....follow the directions on prep and application.

[rock&roll4]

You may want to check for blisters once I removed bottom paint off mine it was full of them big job to repair.

[itwonder]

If it's in an area that is bottom painted, then I would not bother trying to patch in gelcoat. I would fill the missing spot with Marine-Tex epoxy filler, and finish with bottom paint.

[offshore27ns]

itwonder - 12/27/2006 12:05 PM

If it's in an area that is bottom painted, then I would not bother trying to patch in gelcoat. I would fill the missing spot with Marine-Tex epoxy filler, and finish with bottom paint.

i agree

[BillyD]

I wouldn't bother with the gel coat. My bottom is painted however. Let any potential moisture dry out of the area. And hit it with some epoxy or resin and bottom paint over it.
BillyD

[sea_slueth]

Thanks.