Hull damage

[Salvonight]

I inherited this boat and when I took it out it looks like there was some hull damage, which appears to only be cosmetic. I'm assuming I need to grind off any loose parts and clean the affected area with an acetone cleaner and primer. I was considering using total boat Marine Epoxy Fairing Compound. Will this suffice?

The rudder has also seen better days. I've drilled a hole to drain any water that may be in it, there was a little but not much. Any suggestions on how to repair? I realize its days are numbered but trying to get a few years out of it. Thanks!

 

[degas]

Congrats on the new-to-you boat! You don't mention your previous experience with boats, so please forgive my assumptions.

About fixing the trouble spots you shared: you won't know with confidence that they're cosmetic until you dig deeper. Fairing compound, and sanding, lots of sanding, might be all that you need.

Suggestion if you want to use this boat for more than one season: any soft spots, blisters, or cracks? Get your hands on a grinder to chip away at them until you reach the solid stuff. After that, read up and watch a few videos on working with fibreglass, epoxy, barrier coating, and bottom paint. The trick is to make your repairs as strong as (if not stronger than) what was there before.

It's not hard work. Some patience, a little elbow grease, and meticulousness go a long way.

Another suggestion: if you haven't already, take close look at the rest of the boat's systems, rigging, thru hulls, plumbing, electrical, and engine.

Have fun!

 

[dlochner]

What kind of boat are we looking at? Is the keel and encapsulated keel with the ballast inside the hull or is the keel bolted on?

Nothing in those 2 photos looks awful, but it is hard to make a good assessment until we can see what's under the antifouling paint.

First step is to remove the paint. At this point use 80 grit paper or mesh on an orbital or random orbit sander with dust collection and have at it. Mesh sand paper seems to last longer and clog less than ordinary sand paper.

Get the hull cleaned up and send us some more photos.

 

[jssailem]

I realize its days are numbered

Have you heard of the Lindy Effect?

The Lindy effect is a theorized phenomenon by which the future life expectancy of some non-perishable things, like a technology or an idea, is proportional to their current age. Thus, the Lindy effect proposes that the longer something has survived to exist or be used in the present, the longer its life expectancy. Longevity implies a resistance to change, obsolescence, or competition, and greater odds of continued existence into the future.​

If you apply this to your boat, the quality of the repairs you do today will impact its longevity in the future. At least, that is a way of looking at the issue based on this theorized phenomenon.

I was considering using Total Boat Marine Epoxy Fairing Compound. Will this suffice?

After properly preparing the rudder and hull, @degas has given you good insight into this preparation.

I would use TB Fairing compound if the problem is surface blemishes. If the issue is deeper, you need to resolve that problem and then build back the structure (fiberglass and resin). Once a solid structure exists, you can "Fair" the surface with TB Fairing Compound. I would then cover the area with a couple of thin coats of Epoxy Barrier Paint. Then, you can apply your bottom paint and go sailing.

Congrats on your new boat. Many fun times are ahead for both of you.

 

[Salvonight]

As always, I really appreciate the comments and I look forward to tackling this project. Very grateful for recommendations and the fact they aren't all doom and gloom!