Marine - Bondo

[druid]

For purely cosmetic repairs above the waterline, I can't see why you can't use Bondo. One problem with epoxy is that gelcoat doesn't stick (well) to it. For smaller fixes (like crazing or small cracks and nicks) just use thickened gelcoat. But for re-bedding stancions, I'd go with either thickened poly resin (with glass) or epoxy.

druid

 

[bawlmer]

Why don't you just use Marine Tex. It is designed for marine use and I am pretty sure has the same consistency.

 

[dlochner]

According to the current issue of Practical Sailor, in the marine environment epoxy is a preferred fairing compound. Epoxy has better adhesion, water resistance and a tendency to avoid cracking and crazing.

Polyester fillers will shrink over time causing cracks and needing repair. Gelcoat will tenaciously adhere to epoxy if the epoxy is prepared correctly, i.e., the blush removed and the surface sanded. Check the West System site and read the recent article in the Epoxyworks magazine or check this video from Boatworks Today: