deep scratch on keel, what to do?
 

As I was swimming around my boat with mask and fins enjoying a great day in Avalon, I made the mistake of diving under the boat to take a look at my baby's bottom.

Maybe me, but most likely the previous owner, put a pretty good scratch right on the keel. It goes through the gel coat. About 4 inches long and maybe 1/16th inch deep.

Question #1. Do I fix it? Seems to be mostly resin showing, but a little glass fiber.

Question #2. If yes to #1, How? I have done glass work, I do have the West System Epoxy, and 410 microlight filler. I'm thinking lightly grind it and fill with the epoxy/filler mix. I could gel over it too but would that be needed? Not to concerned about the look as it is on the bottom of the boat.

Thanks for any help.

If its just in the gel, why not just fair it out a bit and put new gel on it? Then just longboard it flat, wet sand and buff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcVOVMLvDwM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWEE6SFUdpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en-8S...eature=related

From what i've been told about fiberglass, you really should at least fill it. I've been told fiberglass loves to attract water, and that will eventually lead to rot, and you don't want that.

not to mention possible delam if its not fixed!!!

I would use marinetex from West Marine on it. Easy to put on and last. Fill it and sand her down.

Thanks
 

Thanks for the help, this weekend I'll be under the boat again but no dive mask and fins,more like a dust mask and creeper.