If you own a boat, then you should know the basic repair tricks. This way, you will not have to hire the services of a professional to do even the minor repairs which you can do yourself. This will save you a lot of money in the process. Plus, doing your own repairs can also be exciting.

So say for instance you own a fiberglass boat. Having small damages to the surface of the boat may just be with the gelcoat. In this case, you can do the repairs yourself.

What is a gelcoat?

The gelcoat is essentially the outer skin of the hull of the fiberglass. This is made up of pigmented resin to form a layer. It serves as a form of protection of the boat’s surface so that it will not be easily damaged even during harsh sailing conditions.

The gelcoat seals the fiberglass to protect it against a number of elements including water, moisture as well as the sun’s rays which may cause it damage. More than that, the gelcoat gives your fiberglass coat color and a glossy finish. So in essence, it is very much like the paint on your car.

How the gelcoat gets damaged

The UV rays of the sun as well as a harsh marine environment are the major factors that can cause damage to the gelcoat of your fiberglass boat. Oxidation may occur which result in a dull appearance of the gelcoat. The gelcoat can also suffer from scratches due to poor maintenance and bumping during docking and strorage.

Do not worry though because troubleshooting these problems can be easy.

Repairing a damaged gelcoat

The first step is to rough up the surface where the gelcoat will be applied so that the gelcoat putty will stick to it. Afterwards, combine the hardener with the putty and apply the latter using a knife. Thin proportions are enough. Let it dry and sand down to form an even surface.

Then you will have to mix colors. Then make sure to mix the color into the gel. Afterwards, add the catalyst. Apply the mixture to the repaired surface using a sponge paintbrush. Again, do this in thin parts. Once it is dry, smooth the gel using wet and fine sandpaper. Wax it up to shine.

Damage to the fiberglass

There may also be instances when the damage has already reached the fiberglass. In this case, you will have to make a full repair.

First, you will have to cut out the fiberglass section with damage. You can start a hole using a drill then follow up with a hacksaw to remove the part. Make sure to remove the entire damaged area.

Afterwards, cover the open part with a heavy-duty plastic. The latter should have a firm Styrofoam or wooden bucking so it will not bulge out. Then put gel coat and let it dry. The coat should only be thin.

The next step is to cut a couple of fiber layers and a one last layer of woven cloth. The total thickness of these materials should match that of the original surface. Then combine resin to coat the fiberglass. Put the fiberglass in thin layers while you coat it with the resin mixture. Once it is dry, sand it and buff the outer gelcoat so that the repaired part will blend with the old areas.

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Author Bio: Find out more about yatch repair and make the most out of it. Visit http://www.yachtfishmarine.com/seattle.html

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