Starboard Bow Repair

[Eric Gordon]

The photo, from inside the chain locker in the v-berth shows light coming in through a small point on the outside hull which rubbed against the dock and resulted in scraping the gel coat off.

Do I make a hole and repair it using epoxy, or just use fairing on the outside and try to match the paint with some Brightside. Then, maybe a small layer or two of epoxied fiberglass on the inside?

(Sorry, forgot to get a pic of the bow)

 

[Christian Williams]

If it's just gelcoat damage, why not repair with gelcoat? You can tint it as necessary to match, although I didn't. (I just turned it into a placard).

......

 

[Eric Gordon]

Ahhh. now I remember seeing that. Thanks.

 

[Kenneth K]

If only the gelcoat is damaged (cosmetic only), then all you need is a surface repair. I prefer fairing compound and paint because I don't keep gelcoat supplies around.

If the damage has compromised the fiberglass, too (structural damage), then it would be wise to sand the paint off of the interior anchor locker wall and a few layers of cloth and epoxy.

 

[Bolo]

I maybe paranoid in suggesting this (and who among us boat owners are not?) but why not add some fiberglass on the inside of the locker before fixing the gel coat. Won’t hurt, doesn’t have to look great and it’ll strengthen that area.

 

[Eric Gordon]

Thank you gentlemen for your assistance. I have decided to add one or two layers of fiberglass with epoxy on the inside and paint the outside with some brightside one part deck paint. If it doesn’t match, I will probably use the decal for the name of my boat in that location.