Fiberglass repair

General Boats and Motors
1

I need to fix a crack in a boat I own. It is above the water line and not structural, but is in a very easy to see place along the side so appearance is a concern.

Is this something an novice with 2 left hands should try or something better left to the professionals?

Any suggestions on a good fiberglass guy in the area that does small jobs?

Thanks in advance,
Robert

2
quote:
appearance is a concern

With that being said, you better let a professional do it.
I don’t believe a novice with two left hands can do a satisfactory job if appearance is a concern.

3

If it is a big job and you have never done any fiberglass repair before I would suggest professionals. If it is a small job, and you get a box of rubber gloves and the stuff to clean it up (I use acetone), it might not be too bad. I spent like 4 hours doing some extensive glass work on a surfboard for a friend over the weekend. Just make sure that you have your prep done, cloth cut (if you need cloth), and all the other stuff you need before you mix your resin.

For small jobs, especially if it is a white boat, I prefer MarineTex. If you do it right, and put a little water on your finger to smooth it out you have very little sanding. If your situation is non-structural you might be able to get by with MarineTex or 5200. Also, West Systems makes a ton of products. You can get all of this stuff at West Marine.

Narcosis

4

Thanks guys - much appreciated.

5

got any pictures?

  • I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.

6

well coming from someone that used to make fiberglass boats for a local company, if its small and not really that bad all I would do is sand around it(make sure to get the crack good)get the lil repair kit you can buy at west marine and just take your time and do it right. if its big(or you start and think you cant do it) take it to a shop

7

KC Boat Works took care of me

experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s

  1. the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation

  2. that thing you get just moments after you needed it.

8

If you are happy with K.C. can you please share contact info?

9

Bobby G Glass ,Awendaw

10

Thanks again guys, I really appreciate the options. The crack is a small one well above the water line and not structural.

As for pic’s, I don’t have one. To honest, this is not my boat but a friends. If I had said that up front, I would have spent half my time justifying that it wasn’t my boat and/or that I have any friends that even exist.

It is up to my friend, but I hope we give this a whirl. At worst it will be an ugly fix and then they will have to go to a pro. I don’t think we could make it that much worse…wait, that sounds suspiciously like famous last words

11

So, is it the actual fiberglass or just gel coat?

  • I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.

12

Hey man KC’s in Hollywood, SC
He does great work, fast, and his prices are more than fair. Give hime a holla and hell hook it up in less than a week.

1996 Key West Sportsman
112 Johnson