I have a 2009 jv15 carolina skiff and I found a spot on the keel were the gelcoat is worn off. I found it because there was a water spot in the driveway that caused me to look under the boat. So it appears to be allowing some water in. It is a new issue so not to worried about any potential issues from extended water intrusion. My question is can I just slap a keel guard over the the spot and be done with it or should I patch it and then keel guard? The boat was cheap so not looking to dump a ton of money into getting it fixed.
Seal the hole up first.
Pioneer 222 Sportfish
Yamaha 250
Definitely deal it up first. That moisture will spread like crazy if you keep running it without sealing first.
X3 ^^^^^^^
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
Let it dry our first! Then add a patch of glass then gelcoat then keelguard.
Can anyone recommend a gelcoat/fiberglass on James Island?
I’d be happy to help out for a glass of iced tea. I should have everything needed for the glass and gel repair. Time just depends on how deep the damage is. Deeper damage more steps. Must be dry. PM me if you’re interested. I’m not a professional glass guy but have worked with glass a lot.
2002 Wellcraft 250CC Yam OX66
IT MUST BE DRY BEFORE IT IS POSSIBLE TO REPAIR IT.
RIG UP A SHOP VAC AND LET IT RUN FOR A WHILE TO PULL OUT ANY WATER.
www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.joinrfa.org
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING
That’s a great idea Chris V! I think I am just going to sand around it and fill it in with new gelcoat. If anyone can recommend a brand that would be appreciated!
Edit: Highflight I sent you a pm!
if you have water leaking out, you can not reliably repair with gelcoat.
it will require glass and resin.
www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.joinrfa.org
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING
I’m not sure I’d just stuff gel coat up in it. Polyester resins (gel coat is polyester resin with more solids and pigment - assuming we’re talking polyester) are about 30% styrene. Styrene is volatile and evaporates quickly. When the resin cures, 30% of the volume floats away. If you just stuff a big fat plug of material (gel coat or resin) into the hole, it will retract away from the the hole some as it cures. Better to be a little more deliberate.
Further polyester resins don’t stick all that well. They do stick, but, not that strong. Unless the hole really is trivial (it may be - a pick or two would be helpful), I’d do a little tiny bit of glass repair first, then, use the gel coat like gel coat (an egg shell thin outer layer). Add keep guard, if you like.
Also, nothing will stick well unless the glass in your hull is clean and dry. It is guaranteed to NOT be clean in its current state. I’d do ChrisV’s vacuum trick. Once dry, grind/sand (40 or 60 grit paper) the edges of the hole back to clean solid glass. Then, patch. Sand into shape. Apply gel coat. Sand/polish in to desired shine. There are tons of vids online about patching small areas. Like: https://www.youtube.com/user/boatworkstoday
17’ Henry O Hornet w/ Johnson 88 spl
26’ Palmer Scott project hull
14’ Bentz-Craft w/ Yamaha 25