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Scott Fuller · 10-01-2018, 17:41

We are replacing our dodger this year, and I have about 40 small screw holes in the cockpit coaming to fill. I'd like not to have to deal with gel coat - they will most likely be covered by the new dodger, but I don't want to just fill with epoxy which will yellow over time. Is a StarBrite epoxy putty stick a viable repair option - white colored and says it's uv resistant? Any other suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

Paul L · 10-01-2018, 18:25

If there aren't too many showing, then using a finish washer looks fine.

SV DestinyAscen · 10-01-2018, 18:35

How about a few textile padeyes? Since you already have the holes. A few on top and a few below for hanging items.

**JPA Cate** · 10-01-2018, 19:06

why not specify that the new dodger re-use those holes?
Ann

**Jammer** · 10-01-2018, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Fuller

We are replacing our dodger this year, and I have about 40 small screw holes in the cockpit coaming to fill. I'd like not to have to deal with gel coat - they will most likely be covered by the new dodger, but I don't want to just fill with epoxy which will yellow over time. Is a StarBrite epoxy putty stick a viable repair option - white colored and says it's uv resistant? Any other suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

https://www.westsystem.com/501-white-pigment/

With any epoxy filler, I would topcoat with either matching paint or clear urethane finish for UV protection.

Painted Skies · 10-01-2018, 20:07

In my previous life, I was a canvas maker for a shop on the Chesapeake Bay. IMO, a competent canvas maker ('trimmer' as they are called here in Australia) will utilize as many of the previous hardware holes as possible, even if the new design is quite different from the previous iteration. It just so happens that we are currently in the new dodger process (along with a new bimini, connector and full cockpit enclosure). Our new dodger will be significantly modified from the previous one - however, as you can see in the photos, the trimmer was able to use a combination of methods to fix/disguise the old holes. First, a large number of holes were covered with the curved track he installed along the front edge and sides; two holes on each side were filled with SS screws and finish washers (as suggested in an earlier post of this thread); a few holes were filled with Sikaflex 291; and the remainder were re-used with different hardware for the new design (a la Ann Cate).

Perhaps you may wish to wait until you discuss with the canvas maker which holes actually need to be dealt with before filling them all. With careful planning, your cockpit coaming doesn't need to look like it had a bad case of pox...

deltaten · 10-01-2018, 20:15

Marine-Tex

Davidhoy · 11-01-2018, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by deltaten

Marine-Tex

MarineTex Gluvit will yellow over time, and should be overcoated for maximum UV protection. See Gluvitâ„¢ | Marine Tex

-David

ZULU40 · 11-01-2018, 08:52

I already like some previous replies but offer this point of difference.

If its purely about filling the holes you have to countersink them out on both sides, making the holes much larger. Then fill them with CSM in several layers beginning with small cut circles eventually to the holes full size.

Then decide whether to paint the topsides or get the gelcoat restored is the better route. If its not gelcoat then 2 part epoxy must be used to protect the core at some point, if not the finish coats.

Cheechako · 11-01-2018, 09:07

You say they will be covered. Fill with an epoxy with uv protection and some color. You can even just fill them with 3M 5200 if they are covered. But yeah, have them use the existing holes.

Cadence · 11-01-2018, 10:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

why not specify that the new dodger re-use those holes?
Ann

You beat me to it.

Comix Bay · 12-01-2018, 17:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadence

You beat me to it.

Of course she did, they are a day ahead of the USA!!!

zboss · 12-01-2018, 18:07

We were faced with a similar problem. The boat has probably been through 2 or 3 versions of dodger/Bimini combos before we bought her. We cleaned the holes with acetone and filled with gel oat scratch repair, did so real nicely so there was very little sanding necessary, and then sanded and buffed with maguires one part compound and wax. You can barely notice they exist. Then I took all that cash and time I saved and went sailing for two weeks.