fibreglass

[molly1]

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Hi lads,

I found 2 horrific (slight exaggeration) chips out of me hull probably from stones from road transport. They are down to the fibreglass (the shiny enimal is craked through) and are both the size of your baby finger nail. Would these rot away more and more in the salt water or are they fine?? Any need for sealant and if so what with??

Thanks as always,
Adrian

 

[AndrewB]

Re: fibreglass repair,

Hi!

Those chips need need filling, otherwise the fibreglass will take up water.

You can get Marine GRP filler from any chandler, or from some DIY stores. There is one in the Plastic Padding range. Its a two-part polyurethane goo. Practice makes perfect in using it: a professional can create an invisible finish. Comes in white, but can be coloured if required.

 

[oldsaltoz]

G’day Molly1,
You have chipped out some of your gel coat, this will have to be patched before you go back in the water, the gel coat prevents water getting into the glass. All you need is a DIY gel coat pack available at most boating outlets, use the two part one. If you add just the right amount and stick some stiff glossy plastic over it will not require any sanding; matching the colour can be a bit tricky though, but with such small areas it may not show that much.
Hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend Old Salt Oz……

 

[molly1]

Thanks for the advice, I forgot to say the chips are above the water line (way above) do they still need attending to if I'm not bothered about the cosmetic aspect?