Gelcoat Fiberglass Repair

[sypadrinc]

Hi,
I recently started to investigate why my boat takes in so much water before I decide what to do with her. I sanded the antifouling paint down to see whats underneath. So far there's plenty of chips, dings, scapes etc. I also found a couple of cracks in the trunk where the swing keel pivots. I would like to know how I should tackle them. The working area from inside would be tough, so if a ground a V out and filled all these spots with marine tex would that be sufficient. After filling and sanding and seeing if shes still sea worthy I was thinking of some barrier coat to seal her up a bit. Shes getting old and need some tlc but I want to make sure she's sound before venturing out and pouring more money into her.
Thank you

 

[Mike B1026]

I doubt those chips have anything to do with your problem. Cracks maybe. Are you sure it's from the hull, not from above?

 

[Joe]

Leaks are almost always through existing seams that have failed sealant or caulking.

 

[LloydB]

I had to partially fill my Mac in order to find where a hidden leak in the swing keel trunk was. Repaired with cloth and glass once found.

 

[sypadrinc]

I doubt those chips have anything to do with your problem. Cracks maybe. Are you sure it's from the hull, not from above?

I let the boat dry out because I want to do a couple layers of glass around the trunk. Then I power washed the outside. Went and looked inside and there a considerable amount of water. More than one would think just spraying down the outside. There was no strain on the cracks since the swing keel was up. If osmosis works that fast with a little pressure, it seems possible that a couple hours on the water might bring in a measurable amount of water. The top does have leaks too and that will get re-caulked once this is taken care of.