Looking to have some glass repair done on my Scarab.

When I bought the boat it had a couple of dock dings in the bow from the previous owner. My second attempt at loading the boat on the trailer I took a small piece out of the keel further down then the first two.

I am going to have these fixed before I take her out this spring. Looking for some advice so I can get it fixed right.

First, have I done the right thing by letting her sit all winter to let the fiberglass dry before I have it repaired?

Second, I am going to have a local body shop do the repair. I trust their glass work but want to make sure it is done right. I've never seen them repair a boat, just automotive glass repair. This is the same body shop that has painted all of the parts for my Truck Accessory business for five years. I trust them a lot, just want to make sure I know what to look for.

What should I make sure they do to prep these gouged (sp) areas?

What should I make sure they do to properly seal and paint these areas so I don't have any water seeping in through the repairs?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Buck
#183

First thing I can think of is that I doubt you would want it painted (unless the boat is already painted). It won't blend well at all. Auto shops also use bondo and the like on fiberglass car parts - a non no on boats (water issues). Make sure that the shop knows gel coat and boat repair.

Thanks Brad,

I know that they plan on using glass to repair the damaged areas. I'll make sure they have the capability to do gel coat repair.

Buck
#183

Hey Brian,

Why don't you try Duck Tape.....Save some time and $$$$

LOL! That's funny Mark.

I hope you don't use it on your race Quads for repairs? You have to remember, I am in Arkansas, so it would be considered kosher.

Take care man.

Buck
#183

You can also mix color in with the repair mix and then not have to paint. We had a guy do that on the race boat and I to this day can not find the repairs he did.

Jon

Audiofn.....Thanks for the tip, I'll look into that.

Talked to the guys at the body shop today. They mentioned using Angel Hair or Kitty Hair for the fill. Does this sound ok to everyone?

Asked them about gel coat virsus paint. They said that it shouldn't be a big deal to paint it. This makes me a little nervous. You guys mentioned using only gel coat repair and not paint. Opinions?

By the way, this is not a case of trying to be cheap. If I have to take it to a fiberglass repair shop that can do gel coat it's not an issue to me. Yes, I'll get a better deal from my shop, but that's not my concern. Just want it done right.

Thanks guys.

Buck
#183

Opps I think I pushed the wrong button, Run away now, none of what they are saying sounds right.

angel hair is Bondo with strands in it. not the correct thing to use on a boat. Sounds like you want to take it to another place. The problem with Gell is that if you do not know how to spray it and what additives to put in there then it will never harden properly. The guy that painted my engine bay and transom did not add to proper agents and the gel never hardened!! Pissed me off big time. Get a second opinion from a boat guy.

Jon

Thanks Audiofn, formula31 and all who replied, you guys are the best. IMO

I have taken your advice to heart. I will search for a fiberglass replair shop in my area that has the ability to do Gel Coat too.

That's the reason I asked the question on here, wanted honest opinions.

Thanks all for the heads up.


You too Mark!!!!!!!!

Buck
#183