Gel Coat Repair - Below the waterline

[woody001]

Hi,

Just started to apply some new antifoul and noticed a small dark patch about 2.5 inches in diameter, starboard side, on the bow, below the water line.

As the antifoul was dark, I can only conclude that it was wet, therefore i scrapped back the antifoul to the gelcoat.
I noticed one slight chip, and a small crack, about 1.5 cm long, therefore, i decided to dig the gel coat out as I concluded water must be getting in behind the gelcoat. - I also want to check the GRP - all seems ok.

Iam going to fill the hole, which is 1 inch in diameter, maybe 2 mm deep with International Watertite, than fair off.

Should I be concerned about this? - Just not keen on seeing a small patch of dark antifoul - water, but I can only guess this is from where the water was "lying behind the broken gelcoat".

Thoughts? - Will post some pictures in the morning.


Cheers

Simon.

 

[Talbot]

make sure it dries out well before filling.

 

[William_H]

I don't know International watertight but certainly you should use an epoxy and as already said get it as dry as possible. Don't be shy to grind out bad material. olewill

 

[Birdseye]

Sounds like water retained in the crack.

Anyway, best thing below the water line is epoxy. You can use gelcoat but whats the point when eppoxy is more water proof and goes off better in cold temps.

 

[woody001]

Hi,
1st of - cheers for all your replys, it was retained water under the crack.
I use International watertight, which is an epoxy, and designed for underwater use. - Just hope it sets...

Thanks guys, much appriciated.

Si.