Gelcoat repair

[Claymar]

Almost cried when I found this, 1st big blemish on my three year-old baby.

I've read over several of the post on this type of repair and I think I might have a handle on it. Just want to lay out my steps to see if the experts here agree with me. Never done anything like this so I think the first time I cut into this with sandpaper its going to be like cutting a finger off.

1. Take a good strong tranquilizer.
2 Mask off and rough sand around the damage smoothing out the rough edges of gelcoat. Clean with soap, water and acetone.
3. Mix gelcoat adding proper amount of hardener. ?? since fibers are showing do I need to add a filler to this mix??
4. Apply gelcoat, feathering beyond edges of damage.
5. Tape plastic film over fresh gelcoat and allow to cure.
6. Remove film.
7 Shape with sanding block as needed.
8. wet sand w/ progressivly finer papers to 1000 grit.
9. finish w/ buffing compounds and wax.

Miss anything, suggestions?

 

[Claymar]

Sorry guys, thought I had a handle on posting pictures but apparantly not. Not a good opening sign for this project, maybe this calls for an invitation to Mr. Jim Bean first instead of Tranquilizers.

What I am looking at is a chunk of gelcoat out of the peak of the keel on my 2120. Its right at the bottom of the bow about 2 1/2 inches long by 3/4 inch wide . I can see the fibers but there is no damage, or dosent appear to be, beyond the gelcoat.

 

[MacFern]

I did the same repair a few years ago. I used 3M Premium Marine Filler to fill in the gouge and reshape the keel; then I followed the same steps you listed. I am not sure if that was the best material to use, but it was recommended by the guy that does the fiberglass repair at the local dealer. I have done a few other smaller gel coat repairs, and the only problem I ever had was when I pulled off the plastic film a few times my new gel coat came with it. I am sure there is a way to prevent that from happening, I'd sure like to know for the next time.

 

[MacFern]

Also meant to say good luck, and it's not that difficult to do. Sedative is not required, but I like a little rum.

 

[BradV]

I had the same repair done as well. the fibreglass guy put a few layers of glass back down before sanding off and then shooting with gel coat. I think mine was from the trailer. Either way thats a good spot to learn on since nobody can really see it.

 

[MacFern]

Mine was definitely from the trailer - not the best set up in my opinion. I thought about trying to add a few more small bunks, or put an additional roller in the center. Instead I just back much farther in the water, and avoid using a few of the shallow ramps in the area at low tide.

 

[BradV]

I added mini bunks to the front of the trailer. I just ordered a new trailer and now have bunks that run the entire length of the trailer in the center covered in plastic. I still have the large carpeted bunks that it sits on for the most part but the mini bunks guide it on pretty well. It also has a rubber roller on the front cross member. So it is pretty impossible to bump the keel anymore unless i really miss the trailer

 

[MacFern]

That sounds perfect, something similar is on the list. One day. By the way, I love your Bahama trip pictures. That's on my list too.

 

[Sara F]

Claymar, I am also in the process of making similar repairs to my hull/bow area. Damaged was definetly caused by the darn trailer. I also thing it was due to crappy ramps her in South Jersey.

I followed the steps posted by Porkchunker yesterday and now have the plastic wrap covering the repair. I am going to wait until Friday 28 August 2009 before taking the plastic wrap off. Want to wait as long as possible to be sure gelcoat is dry.

Since this is my 1st time at gelcoat repairs, I am a bit nervous. I'll let you know how I make out. Best of luck with your repair as well!!!!

 

[BradV]

Nothing to be nervous about. Just be ready for alot of sanding if you did a bad job. Cant be worse than what you started with right?

 

[Sara F]

Brad, thanks and you are correct...I can't make it worse than what it was like before I started, i.e., you can't break what is already broken is a good way to look at it I guess.

 

[Claymar]

Thanks, guys, for the response and notes of encouragement.

Started sanding on it with the dremal to clean it up and get it preped and actually feeling more comfortable about it.

Need to plug Robin and Eric at Parker at this point. Bought my boat new in '06 and have only had a couple of minor issues, both involving the helm seat, the seat cousion ripped out and later on the nylon slides broke. I e-mailed Robin on both occasions and she responded the next day. Both times she arranged to have parts shipped to me within 2-3 days, no charge, no questions asked. On another occasion I asked about where I could cut a hole to mount a fluxgate compass and again got a detailed response the same day.

With my hull damage, and my lack of knowledge with fiberglass I e-mailed her thinking that, since there was glass fibers showing maybe there was a bubble in the gelcoat. Got an e-mail from Eric very next morning explaining how I could tell that it was impact damage, a fact that I had already confirmed. Long story short he is sending me the gelcoat to make the repair.

I find it very commedable that a large company in this day and age is willing to address such trivial issues so quickly. Thats called great customer service.

 

[Porkchunker]

I have a gelcoat A-to-Z thread in the projects forum with pics that may help.

http://www.classicparker.com/phpBB2/vie ... 79&start=0

Dave

aka

 

[Sara F]

Dave (Porkchunker), have read and re-read your gelcoat A to Z instructions many times and that is what has given me the confidence to attempt the repair myself. I have followed your instructions and I am now waiting for the area to dry thoroughly before sanding (wanted to give it several days as you suggested). If after several days covered in plastic the area is still tacky should I apply some heat from a hairdryer?

Thanks for posting the instructions they are well written and very easy to follow. I will post the results when completed. Thanks again!

 

[Porkchunker]

If it is still tacky on the surface, it means that oxygen got to the surface. The tape may have breathed a bit. Next time use wider tape or even a second coat. There is a wax you can mix in the gelcoat that will come to the surface and keep the oxygen away, but I had trouble finding instructions on how to use it. So I went with the tape.

In my case, I had one patch that was tacky on the surface. I scrubbed it with a bit of acetone and took of the sticky surface...then I started sanding. All worked out well.

Dave

aka

 

[BradV]

its called surfacing wax. very easy to use and you dont have to worry about covering the gel coat. Its 20 drops per ounce. thats in addition to the 10 drops per ounce for the MEK. Just mix it in and apply like you would normally do it.

 

[Sara F]

Small bottle of Parker gelcoat - $10.00
Various grits of wet/dry paper -- $15.00
Rubber sanding block -- $5.00
Small tube of hardener -- $6.00
Statisfation from doing repair yourself -- PRICELESS!!!

Thanks to Dave (Porkchunker), DaleH and BradV for all of your advice and guideance; I would not have ever attempted the repair withuout your help. Thanks to all of you.

I forgot to take before and after shots of the repair so I could post. The repair is invisible and turnout better than I had anticipated. You guys and this site are awesome!!!!!!