Skeg Repair at Bronze Fitting

[Capt Y Knot]

I have a 1985 Pearson 303 that has developed exfoliation of the gelcoat on the skeg where the bronze rudder fitting is attached.

A previous repair of thickened epoxy did not hold up.

Suggestions on how to repair this area are appreciated.

Thank you

[Bellinghamster]

It sure looks like the previous "repair" was some filler applied over top of old bottom paint. If so, then no surprise it didn't adhere well. If so, then all the similar filler (over paint) needs to be removed, area ground to clean fiberglass with course grit (40-60 grit) to give it some profile to adhere to, cleaned with acetone and new filler applied.

[Capt Y Knot]

Thank you for the suggestions. After the area well cleaned up I'll try again with thickened epoxy.

[Cheechako]

Yeah, grind to bare glass/material. If 1/8" or less thick use epoxy with filler of some sort. Long strand filler would be nice. Or use Kitty Hair . Grind flush.

[Capt Y Knot]

Thank you all for the fast replies!