1 step forward...(gel coat question)

[smb]

On Sunday I decided to replace the hull anodes for the first time in my ownership. No great shakes just undo the nuts and away we go. Not so. On removing one an area of damaged and missing gel coat was revealed, mostly around the square plates and quite possibly the result of some over enthusiastic tightening in the past.

Being a complete grp novice the question is what to do about it. There is no sign of damp inside around the ply backing pad so, as she has been ashore for 14 weeks, am I ok to go ahead and patch it or might I be trapping moisture in?

Searching through previous posts I think I can use the SP systems two part kit I have on board but need to add some filler to it. Is this technically speaking 'gel coat' or just something with similar properties?

Is this a totally waterproof solution or will it need a further coating of something?

Finally, it looks like the thickness of the missing coat is 2-3mm. Can that be applied in one go or built up as layers? I have seen people cover minor gel coat touch ups to the topsides with clingfilm or similar. Is that neccessry with the SP kit?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Steve


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[Avocet]

International make an epoxy filler called "Watertite" suitable for below-waterline use. They say it can fill depressions up to 2cm deep in one go so I wouldn't worry about the depth. Also, you are supposed to prime the exposed laminate with "Gelshield" or something similar. I've been using it on some gelcoat chips on my (boat's) bottom but the temperature dropped before it had set. It needs to be at least 7 degrees and preferable more than 10 degrees until set. As for whether the bottom will be dry enough after 14 weeks, I'm afraid I have no idea. I decided to risk it on my boat because the chips were very shallow but it might be worth you getting a surveyor or someone who knows about these things to have a look.

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[smb]

Thanks for that. I'll look it up and pray for a warm weekend between now and launch.


Steve



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