Hi there-- Okay, I chipped the front of my boat. I know...LAME. However, it has left a really ugly chip mark under the bow eye. I think (this is how little I know) that this stuff is what is referred to as the gelcoat) . I'm wondering how to repair this chip and make it look like new(ish). I can see fiberglass cloth as a result of the chip and it front of the bow no longer looks smooth. It is about two inches long and an inch wide. Any help on this would be VERY much appreciated. Thanks, Pat
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Gelcoat repair
West Marine will have a product that is basically gelcoat. You glob this stuff on (hoping it's the right color but they can help with that) & there you go. I've seen a number of repairs with this stuff & they usually look terrible. I think it's cuz they don't bother to sand it down but maybe you can't (never used the stuff). Your other option is to mix up some 2 part epoxy with filler, slather it on, sand it down & paint over it very carefully. It won't be perfect but less noticeable. But just so you know, every boat has dings. The first ones are the worst but the more you get the more you just shrug your shoulders!
LaDonna
West Marine will have a product that is basically gelcoat. You glob this stuff on (hoping it's the right color but they can help with that) & there you go. I've seen a number of repairs with this stuff & they usually look terrible. I think it's cuz they don't bother to sand it down but maybe you can't (never used the stuff). Your other option is to mix up some 2 part epoxy with filler, slather it on, sand it down & paint over it very carefully. It won't be perfect but less noticeable. But just so you know, every boat has dings. The first ones are the worst but the more you get the more you just shrug your shoulders!
LaDonnaGelcoat repair
Just a little more info for you. When you buy a repair kit make sure it has a squeegie and some release film ( as I know it is called out here) after applying it to your chip with a putty knife or whatever, place the release film which is nothing more than a clear piece of mylar plastic with the gloss side down on the wet gelcoat and use the squeegie to smooth the getcoat out leave the release film on ( taped on the edges if need be until the gelcoat sets up) Be sure you work all the air pockets out so you will have no gaps when you pull the film off. Some folks have even used Clear 3m packaging tape with the gloss side down - works great and will leave you with a high gloss finish. Good Luck Dave LaPere
Just a little more info for you. When you buy a repair kit make sure it has a squeegie and some release film ( as I know it is called out here) after applying it to your chip with a putty knife or whatever, place the release film which is nothing more than a clear piece of mylar plastic with the gloss side down on the wet gelcoat and use the squeegie to smooth the getcoat out leave the release film on ( taped on the edges if need be until the gelcoat sets up) Be sure you work all the air pockets out so you will have no gaps when you pull the film off. Some folks have even used Clear 3m packaging tape with the gloss side down - works great and will leave you with a high gloss finish. Good Luck Dave LaPere
The right way
First tape off the secion to repair. then use plastic body filler white if you can get it. same fiiler as used in car repair. Then order the gelcoat from Catalina, give the hull number, will match better. The gel has hardner with it, mix the gel and hardner and spray on with a preval sprayer(throw away sprayers)or brush(not so nice looking). Once you have a good thickness, then you sand, use a block of wood with the sand paper. Start with wet 600 grit end with wet 800-1000. This process takes time. I'm on Keen.com for more info screename Budman in RI
First tape off the secion to repair. then use plastic body filler white if you can get it. same fiiler as used in car repair. Then order the gelcoat from Catalina, give the hull number, will match better. The gel has hardner with it, mix the gel and hardner and spray on with a preval sprayer(throw away sprayers)or brush(not so nice looking). Once you have a good thickness, then you sand, use a block of wood with the sand paper. Start with wet 600 grit end with wet 800-1000. This process takes time. I'm on Keen.com for more info screename Budman in RI
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