I damaged my hull at the weekend (don't ask me how) in the wetline on the chime as per photo. The chip in the gelcoat has exposed the fibre glass behind it.
I keep the boat on a trailer and the hull will get repaired by the professionals next week however I want to go out this weekend would it be ok to take it out for 1 day with the fibreglass exposed or should I do a temporary repair with a product like this
Car body filler would be a decent enough temp fix, set in a few minutes. Not really intended to be water proof but good enough. Easy enough to remove properly.
Will be ok to take out for the day.
Better to stick some gelcoat filler on the area.
DONT use car body filler - it absorbs water.
Typical area for a void to have been - all you've done is knock it open.
If you're going to the trouble of buying some gelcoat filler why not do the repair yourself, it's only cosmetic damage.
Mask up around the area, apply the filler as per instructions. Once cured sand back going through the grades and finally polishing.
So it'd be better to use it for the day than with a bit of P38…?
If it needs it P40 (the one that forms fibres) is as waterproof as any styrene fibreglass. Its the calcium carbonate they add to the P38 to make it easy sand that absorbs water... In the long term...
That said styrene fibreglass is not water proof... That's why you should cover it. But I was only suggesting something to stop water getting in... Duck tape?
For the time it would take to temporary repair I'd buy some 2 part Plastic Padding Gel coat filler and do it properly. Use a dremel and hollow the chip out a little. This will reveal fresh sub structure in which to bond the filler and allow you to taper and clean the edges in preparation of filling the hole.
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Andy
Looks Slow but is Fast
Member of the ebay Blue RIB cover club.
I think by posing the question you have answered it yourself - repair first. And if you don't like your attempt you can get it cosmetically improved later.
The boat is now booked into the professionals on Wednesday so I won't be messing round with gel coat or not repairing (even worse)just to get it on the water.
Gareth the guys at Menai marine do a great job and you won't be disappointed or even know it's been repaired. Unfortunately you missed a good day yesterday. Seeing that you won't be out today and it's a Sunday I guess you will be going to church and to confessional. Would you like to share confessional with your fellow ribnetters?
War Shot
Thunderbird
Top Banana
