Gelcoat/Fiberglass Repairs Needed?

[GeoBoat]

Hello,

I have 2 chips (and a bunch of scratches) on my hull. I mention the scratches because appearance wise, these chips don’t move the needle.

The chip in the burgundy is just below the rub rail on the aft starboard corner. It’s about an inch long.

The chip in the white is a little smaller than a dime. It is just above the waterline near the point of the bow.

This is a saltwater boat that will be in a slip. I will put 250+ hours in the boat this season.

Do these chips need to be addressed now or is this something that can be addressed next season?

Is there a temporary DIY repair?
Looks not too important.

I replaced the engine this past fall and plan to put a bunch of money into the hull next season.

Currently, the boat is in a yard that I do not trust to do quality work (Long boring story why it’s here.)

Thank you for your help.

 

[ttmott]

Looks to be voids under the gelcoat. They should be addressed as soon as practical. Fiberglass is not waterproof - water will wick on the fibers and eventually break down the resin. The longer the wait the more fiberglass will need to be ground out.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I wouldn't worry about the one near the rubrail - that will get splashed but will dry pretty much right away, as well. Besides, to fix that, you have to remove the rubrail. You always have to grind out more than you initially think you have to.

I wouldn't be "overly" worried about the one near the chine, either, since it's still above the waterline - but to feel better about it, I'd fix this one - at least temporarily. Grind it out and use some PC-11 or MarineTex. It will likely be too deep for just gelcoat. Both of these products will be "sort of" a match for your gel color. Truthfully, these "temporary" fixes can be a permanent fix, too.

 

[GeoBoat]

Looks to be voids under the gelcoat. They should be addressed as soon as practical. Fiberglass is not waterproof - water will wick on the fibers and eventually break down the resin. The longer the wait the more fiberglass will need to be ground out.

Thank you for your reply.

 

[GeoBoat]

I wouldn't worry about the one near the rubrail - that will get splashed but will dry pretty much right away, as well. Besides, to fix that, you have to remove the rubrail. You always have to grind out more than you initially think you have to.

I wouldn't be "overly" worried about the one near the chine, either, since it's still above the waterline - but to feel better about it, I'd fix this one - at least temporarily. Grind it out and use some PC-11 or MarineTex. It will likely be too deep for just gelcoat. Both of these products will be "sort of" a match for your gel color. Truthfully, these "temporary" fixes can be a permanent fix, too.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. This is very helpful.