Storm damage on my Mac's rudder has exposed 3 lateral inches of fiberglass on the leading edge. Having no experience in glass repair, I'm wondering how much of a concern is this? Seems like water running over and in the damaged spot is likely to compromise the whole blade. Any experienced responses would be appreciated. Thanks.
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The Venture
The Venture 21 is a great little sailor. The rudder should be repaired soon to prevent further damage. Not a hard job. Most marine stores can give you some info and sell the materials. I just finished repairing a rudder for a Pearson 26. It's a good back yard project that can be done in an afternoon. Good Luck.
The Venture 21 is a great little sailor. The rudder should be repaired soon to prevent further damage. Not a hard job. Most marine stores can give you some info and sell the materials. I just finished repairing a rudder for a Pearson 26. It's a good back yard project that can be done in an afternoon. Good Luck.
Marine-tex and saran wrap or plastic
Some time ago I asked the same question from this forum and a bunch of guys told me about Marine-tex. It's a type of Bondo for boats and it worked great for me. I've actually been meaning to thank the forum for all their help. They suggested using Marine-tex and then placing a piece of saran wrap or any kind of plastic(I used a Ziploc bag) to squeegee the excess stuff off. It worked like a charm and the finish hardly needed any sanding(I used a high grain wet sandpaper for finishing it). Not much to it, just have all the material ready when you mix the two part compound you won't have much time to work with it. Good luck! -Sean
Some time ago I asked the same question from this forum and a bunch of guys told me about Marine-tex. It's a type of Bondo for boats and it worked great for me. I've actually been meaning to thank the forum for all their help. They suggested using Marine-tex and then placing a piece of saran wrap or any kind of plastic(I used a Ziploc bag) to squeegee the excess stuff off. It worked like a charm and the finish hardly needed any sanding(I used a high grain wet sandpaper for finishing it). Not much to it, just have all the material ready when you mix the two part compound you won't have much time to work with it. Good luck! -Sean
Gelcoat is as strong and easier
In my opinion gelcoat makes just as strong a repair as Marine Tex with a whole lot less work and no need to paint after the repair is made. Surface preparation is pretty much the same but if you tint the gelcoat, use the correct mixture and overlay the repair with the plastic sheet supplied with most repair kits it's quick curing and doesn't need sanding.
In my opinion gelcoat makes just as strong a repair as Marine Tex with a whole lot less work and no need to paint after the repair is made. Surface preparation is pretty much the same but if you tint the gelcoat, use the correct mixture and overlay the repair with the plastic sheet supplied with most repair kits it's quick curing and doesn't need sanding.
God bless Marine-Tex
I use Marine-Tex for this sort of repair and never paint over it. It stays nice and white. I haven't used gell coat paste but thought it was very similar to Marine-Tex except that the paste requires a wax layer or sheeting to help it cure. Marine-Tex does not and it can also be tinted.
I use Marine-Tex for this sort of repair and never paint over it. It stays nice and white. I haven't used gell coat paste but thought it was very similar to Marine-Tex except that the paste requires a wax layer or sheeting to help it cure. Marine-Tex does not and it can also be tinted.
Thanks, All!
Thank's all, for the suggestions. Will take under advisement, and hopefully, out into Grand Traverse Bay. jr
Thank's all, for the suggestions. Will take under advisement, and hopefully, out into Grand Traverse Bay. jr
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