- washing the area with a good detergent, like TSP,
- then de-waxing/de-greasing the hull with something like Interlux Fiberglass Prep Wash 202, and
- then grinding/sanding the area around the gouge to a 12:1 bevel... and
- then re-building the area with several layers of fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin.
Full Answer
What is a fiberglass hull gouge?
A fiberglass hull gouge is so serious because it gets right through the layers of your hull’s protectant. It’s important to understand what you’ve lost with a gouge like that. One of the most important layers is the gel coat—the outer layer that creates a de facto seal between your boat’s hull and the aquatic environment.
What happens if you have a hull gouge on your boat?
Gouges aren’t only unsightly, but can lead to more substantial problems such as leakage and long-term hull damage. We’ve put together a few tips for the best practices in fiberglass hull gouge repair to help you maintain your craft.
Can You gel coat a fiberglass hull?
This gives you a chance to smooth out the edges a bit, which in turn makes it possible to add the gel coat more effectively. A fiberglass hull gouge is so serious because it gets right through the layers of your hull’s protectant. It’s important to understand what you’ve lost with a gouge like that.
Can you fix a fiberglass boat yourself?
Fix boats, personal watercraft, even truck toppers with these fiberglass repair tips. Do it yourself and save thousands. A repair pro shows you how to make invisible fixes for scuffs, dents and scratches in fiberglass boats and other fiberglass items.
How do you fix a fiberglass boat Gash?
0:324:34How to Fix a Crack or Hole in a Fibreglass Boat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipActually a repair kit of sorts. It's an epoxy resin. And then just some pretty light chopped strand.MoreActually a repair kit of sorts. It's an epoxy resin. And then just some pretty light chopped strand. Make sure you get your ratios right and consider the temperature in which you are glassing.
How do you fix deep gouges in gelcoat?
As long as the gelcoat around the deep scratch is in good condition, you will be able to use gelcoat putty , requires mixing MEKP catalyst-once mixed properly it can be worked with a putty knife for filling, or you can make one using gelcoat and an aerosil filler/thickener.
How do you repair fiberglass hull damage?
0:5624:55HOW TO REPAIR FIBERGLASS DAMAGE WITH LIMITED ACCESS!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEspecially when it's below the water line the ideal way or the the recommended way of repairing thatMoreEspecially when it's below the water line the ideal way or the the recommended way of repairing that is to basically do that repair on both sides of the laminate.
How do you fix deep scratches on the bottom of a fiberglass boat?
Fill any deep gouges and spend your time sanding out scratches while the filler sets up. Apply gel coat to the filled gouges and finish to the scratches and then final-sand the filled gouges. Buff all the repaired areas and then the rest of the boat. Apply any graphics to finish up.
How do you repair a chip in a fiberglass boat hull?
0:043:27XS Ribs: How to do a Fibreglass / Gell Coat Repair of a Chip or ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDifficult. So make sure the hole is all clean and dry mix up your resin a lot of people don't mix upMoreDifficult. So make sure the hole is all clean and dry mix up your resin a lot of people don't mix up enough resin.
How do you fix nicks in a fiberglass boat?
0:352:05A Revolutionary Way to Repair Fiberglass | MagicEzy 9 SECOND ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn the tube around and gently smooth with the specially designed level unlike other fillers only aMoreTurn the tube around and gently smooth with the specially designed level unlike other fillers only a tiny amount of pressure is required when leveling immediately clean the level with the tissue.
Can a fiberglass boat hull be repaired?
However, the repairability of fiberglass is one of its best characteristics. The most horrifying hole in a fiberglass hull is quickly healed with a bit of glass fabric, a supply of resin, and equal parts skill and care. And the repair is less patch than graft — a new piece of skin indistinguishable from the old.
Can you patch a fiberglass hull?
0:3715:14Fiberglass Hull Repair how to easily fix a thru hull hole - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo in order to to do this fiberglass repair we're going to need fiberglass resin you can you knowMoreSo in order to to do this fiberglass repair we're going to need fiberglass resin you can you know use any type of resin.
Can You Use Flex Seal on a fiberglass boat?
You can use flex paste on a wide variety of surfaces such as wood, glass, tile, concrete, aluminum, metal, brick, stucco, masonry, copper, fabric, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain, natural stones, roofing, pvc, eifs, epdm, cspe, hypalon polyurethanes and so much more. Flex seal liquid works in the most extreme conditions.
How do you get scratches out of a fiberglass hull?
5:0025:24How to: Fiberglass Gelcoat Boat Scratch Repair / Compound / Polish ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo make sure you go ahead and click on that and watch that as well but before you go in ceramic coatMoreSo make sure you go ahead and click on that and watch that as well but before you go in ceramic coat a boat. You have to prep the surface the better the surface is prep removing your scratches. The
How do you remove scratches from a fiberglass boat?
0:2113:32How to Remove Scratches From Gel Coat by Wet Sanding and PolishingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust whatever you can get your hands on honestly. Works from 800 grit we're gonna go on to 1500 gritMoreJust whatever you can get your hands on honestly. Works from 800 grit we're gonna go on to 1500 grit 2000 grit and 3000 grit and from there we'll move on to the buffing.
How do you use gelcoat fillers?
2:385:22How To Repair Boat Gelcoat [MATERIALS LIST ] | BoatUSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just tap it to make sure that there's no trapped air bubbles. I'm obviously using more than IMoreAnd just tap it to make sure that there's no trapped air bubbles. I'm obviously using more than I need there but I'm just going to let it overfill. Now leave that to harden.
Can you gelcoat over gelcoat?
Can You Spray Gelcoat Over Gelcoat? The short answer's yes. But first, make sure the surface is free from dirt and debris. Using the window frame analogy again, you wouldn't apply new paint over old paint without preparing the surface.
How do you fix a chip in a gelcoat?
Use 150 grit paper and wet sand a few centimetres all around the repair in order that the new gelcoat can blend in with the existing gelcoat. Then wipe clean. Give the gelcoat mix a good stir and then add the catalyst according to the manufacturers recommendations.
How do you fix gel coat scratches on a boat?
Wet-Sanding Scratched Gelcoat Often very minor scratches and scrapes can be wet-sanded away. Try using 400-grit wet-sanding sandpaper, followed by 600-grit. Always use a sanding block so you don't over-sand one particular spot, and use a gentle, circular motion. If the scuff or scratch disappears, great.
How do you remove scratches from a fiberglass boat?
0:2113:32How to Remove Scratches From Gel Coat by Wet Sanding and PolishingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust whatever you can get your hands on honestly. Works from 800 grit we're gonna go on to 1500 gritMoreJust whatever you can get your hands on honestly. Works from 800 grit we're gonna go on to 1500 grit 2000 grit and 3000 grit and from there we'll move on to the buffing.
What is the gel coat on a fiberglass boat?
All fiberglass boats have a thick structural core of fiberglass strands impregnated with polyester resin. But the part you actually see is the gel coat. That’s the thin layer of pigmented resin that gives the boat its sheen and color. Most light scratches are in the gel coat layer.
How to fix deep scratches on boat?
To fix gouges and deep scratches, you’ll need “chop” (powdered fiberglass) filler, gel coat and gel coat reducer. Jot down your boat’s model and serial numbers and contact the manufacturer to order gel coat (about $100 per qt.) to match your boat’s color.
How to mix gel coat?
Mixing gel coat is a messy and stinky process—so wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and a respirator. Start with a small amount of gel coat and stir in the chop and hardener to make a putty that’s the consistency of peanut butter (Photo 3).
What is a repair pro?
A repair pro shows you how to make invisible fixes for scuffs, dents and scratches in fiberglass boats and other fiberglass items. You'll save a ton of money if you're patient and use the proper tools.
How long does it take for resin to harden?
Once you add the hardener, you’ve only got a 10- to 20-minute “open” time, so mix small batches and work on one gouge at a time. Thorough mixing is critical to proper curing. Spend a full minute stirring. If you don’t, you’ll end up with patches of sticky resin that can take days to harden.
Can you spray gel coat on fiberglass?
Spraying gel coat isn’t like spraying paint. It splatters on and has to be sanded and buffed to get to a smooth gloss. So don’t be disappointed that the finish isn’t paint-like right away during your fiberglass boat repair.
How to repair a gouge in a wall?
Repairing structural gouges involves several steps. First, remove all wax and grease from the work area by wiping down the area with acetone and a clean rag. Next, use a sander and coarse grit sandpaper to expose grind away the structural gou ge. Go no deeper than you must, and wipe down the area with acetone to be sure that the damage is gone.
How to make air bubbles out of resin?
Use a fiberglass roller to roll out the air bubbles. Wait a minute and repeat for the next layer of cloth. Wait a minute and repeat for the third layer of cloth. At this point, I wait until the resin is beginning to "gel", and then add 3 more layers of cloth using a fresh batch of resin mixture.
.jpg)