Went to check out a boat, it's a 1990 Macgregor 26s, not the power sailor, but a regular sailboat with a swing keel. Boat bottom has several bald spots like these where the gelcoat or paint got scratched off. Boat will be kept in a saltwater slip, are these immediate concerns, okay to address them in the coming winter?
Is this boat bottom okay?
- Thread starter newsailor72
- Start date
The photos are a little hard to see as they are so small.
In general, if you can individual glass strands in the resin, it needs to be sealed up. The first step is to prep the exposed areas and fair with an epoxy fairing compound that is suitable for underwater use. After that is may be necessary to seal the bottom with an epoxy barrier coat and then an antifouling paint. These jobs are easily DIY jobs.
In general, if you can individual glass strands in the resin, it needs to be sealed up. The first step is to prep the exposed areas and fair with an epoxy fairing compound that is suitable for underwater use. After that is may be necessary to seal the bottom with an epoxy barrier coat and then an antifouling paint. These jobs are easily DIY jobs.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,867
Yes!
The raw fiberglass opens up the possibility of water intrusion. Gelcoat or epoxy barrier coating provides a barrier to reduce the opportunity for osmotic flow into the structural layers of the hull.
Repair before sitting the boat in salt water for the season.
Could you get lucky, sure. Maybe. Do you want to do that to you newly purchased boat?
Your boat your choice.