Filling Slots - gelcoat Filler?

[Richard10002]

I need to fill 2 vertical slots which run from the top of the cockpit coaming through the GRP deck into the heads. They were previously filled with sealant, but leaked.

I was planning to go to the boatyard to get some epoxy filler, (west systems or similar), but have found a tube of:

Plastic padding Gelcoat Filler

Will this do?

the slots are around 30mm x 4mm section, and about 40mm deep.

Many Thanks

Richard

 

[hlb]

Plastic Padding works for me for small repairs.

 

[colvic987]

you will find that the gelcoat filler is a very bright white, this might not match your original gelcoat, try a small bit first then see if it is appropriate and to your liking first, if not then you might have to get some colour match gelcoat and do your own mixing before you fill..

I have use it in on small nicks on the deck, it seems to be durable enough..

 

[Richard10002]

Colour doesnt matter.. it will be hidden under the hinges which used to slot into the slots....

I'm going to give it a go in the morning.

Thanks both for the input

 

[robind]

Are you sure that there is no movement between the two sides (perhaps that was why a sealant was used in the first place) if there is and you use a filler the crack will reappear?
Just a thought!

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
Are you sure that there is no movement between the two sides (perhaps that was why a sealant was used in the first place) if there is and you use a filler the crack will reappear?
Just a thought!

[/ QUOTE ]

Good thought!

I'm reasonably sure it's not going to move, but it might... the slot is small, and is actually part of the design of the boat... fingers crossed!

I suspect that sealant was used because it was handy, rather than with any consideration to the design.

It's filled now, so we'll see.