Gauge in hull

[lk240]

I have just discovered a gauge in my hull that happened when my boat was put away by the yard for winter. I will do some research and have a basic idea of what would be required to fix this but would welcome input from others with experience in this arena. Thanks,

Lk240

[coopec43]

Is it above or below the waterline?

[lk240]

Above

[coopec43]

How deep is that gouge compared to the thickness of the hull?

I have watched an expert repair a similar gouge but as he said it was just a cosmetic repair and basically he was just filling the gouge with an epoxy putty then gel-coating it as well as he could.

There are a number of videos covering fixing gouges in fiberglass

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...berglass+hull+

Marine-Tex® Epoxy Putty | Marine Tex

My preference would be for a resin/glass paste.
413 Microfibre Blend | WEST SYSTEM

www.westsystem.com.au › Products

29 July 2020 — 413 Microfibre Blend is a high density filler used to create a multi-purpose, high strength adhesive used for structural applications like bonding, filleting and hardware bonding, while retaining excellent wetting and penetrating capabilities.

[Spot]

Do we need to gauge the gouge and consult with the brothers Gougeon?

Q for OP: Is the boat painted or still in polyester gel coat as the outer surface?

Q for Everyone: Would this be a better application for vinylester rather than epoxy? I have read that gel coat does not always stick well to epoxy.

[capt jgw]

If you sand the epoxy surface with coarse sandpaper, 40 or 60, the deep scratches will give something for the gelcoat to stick too. Still not ideal. I'd fill the gouge with polyester putty (Marine grade, not automotive Bondo) and gelcoat over that. All chemical bonds that way. Note the last coat must be a "finishing" type, not "laminating". Laminating never fully cures if exposed to air, this ensures the chemical bond. Or seal the last coat with PVA.

[lk240]

Originally Posted by Spot

Do we need to gauge the gouge and consult with the brothers Gougeon?

Q for OP: Is the boat painted or still in polyester gel coat as the outer surface?

Q for Everyone: Would this be a better application for vinylester rather than epoxy? I have read that gel coat does not always stick well to epoxy.

Ha, very nice!! Sorry about the silly misspell.[emoji4]

Boat still has polyester Gelcoat I think. Will measure but seems about 1/4 inch at deepest. This is a caliber 28 and I think the glass is about 3/4 inch thick.

Thanks!

[lk240]

Originally Posted by capt jgw

If you sand the epoxy surface with coarse sandpaper, 40 or 60, the deep scratches will give something for the gelcoat to stick too. Still not ideal. I'd fill the gouge with polyester putty (Marine grade, not automotive Bondo) and gelcoat over that. All chemical bonds that way. Note the last coat must be a "finishing" type, not "laminating". Laminating never fully cures if exposed to air, this ensures the chemical bond. Or seal the last coat with PVA.

Thank you

[lk240]

Originally Posted by coopec43

How deep is that gouge compared to the thickness of the hull?

I have watched an expert repair a similar gouge but as he said it was just a cosmetic repair and basically he was just filling the gouge with an epoxy putty then gel-coating it as well as he could.

There are a number of videos covering fixing gouges in fiberglass

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...berglass+hull+

Marine-Tex[emoji768] Epoxy Putty | Marine Tex

My preference would be for a resin/glass paste.
413 Microfibre Blend | WEST SYSTEM

www.westsystem.com.au › Products

29 July 2020 — 413 Microfibre Blend is a high density filler used to create a multi-purpose, high strength adhesive used for structural applications like bonding, filleting and hardware bonding, while retaining excellent wetting and penetrating capabilities.

Thank you!!