[BuckWild]

So i have added new transducers and in the process I had to fill a medium size hole where the old through hull ducer was. I layered west epoxy thickenedwith 404 filler and multiple layers of woven fabric to patch the hole. I have 1 low spot that needs to be faired out. Should i use epoxy mixed with micro baloons/ 407/410 for the final fairing? what kind of finish coat do i need to make this thing complete? the boat is gel coat, and all i want is functionality and final sealing. Im not worried about showroom glass work. thanks for the help. heres a couple of pics.

 

[Patriot]

YOu've made the structural repair. JUst need to fill in the ow spot with 3M filler or some Formula 27. Sand smooth with 320 and then spray somegel coat over the repair and then wetsand it to blend. If you want to bring over to my shop, I'll shoot it for you for FREE, Just wanting to help my fellow PFF'rs.

Tom

 

[Big Mikes Fiberglass]

For a patch that is through the hull I would cap it with resin and mat, then gel coat the patch. If you dont, you need to check it from time to time for shrinkage- itwill show up as a hairline crack around the outer edges of the patch.

Good Luck,

Big Mike

 

[BuckWild]

Patriot- thanks for the offer, if i was closer to pcola I would be there. I am over in Niceville though. I will probably do as you said with the gel coat. Can I just brush gelcoat on, then wet sand? Does the patch need a coating before the gel coat application? thanks.

Big Mike- I patched the hole from the inside also with layers of mat and resin. They should bond together with the layers from the outside.

 

[Patriot]

Putting a 6oz cloth patch on the outside like Big Mike says won't hurt. May be overkill since you already used glass and fillers inside the hole and patched the inner full. What you are looking for at this point is something you can fare and then apply a light layer of gel coat for a smooth finish.

If you still have a deep dish area to fill, then you need to continue with resin and 407 filler, especially if you still have some leftover. If out, get some formula 27 epoxy filler and apply it with a plastic spreader. Sand it smooth and wipe it with acetone. You can mix some gel coat with some filler paste and then use a razor blade to spread on the reapir area and the about 1 inch outside the aea. Do a couple of light coats with light sanding in between. Wet sand (320/600/1000) the final coat and adjacent hull surface and then compound and wax.

Good luck.

Tom

 

[BuckWild]

Big mike, i get what you are saying now. Patriot has made it a little more clear. how far outside the "plug" area do i need to grind out? do i just go deep enough for 1 layer of glass plus a little fairing? thanks, john

p.s. I hate glass work. I just wish i could of learned from someone as i am just reading and doing it. Thanks again for the help

 

[Big Mikes Fiberglass]

Half inch around the outside is plenty enough to tie in the patch and one layer of one and a half ounce mat would be plenty. Then fair it in and apply your gel coat and you can apply your gel coat with a brush if you like. That should take care of it.

Good Luck,

Big Mike

 

[BuckWild]

I went ahead and ground a lil over an inch back yesterday got the mat laid in with thickened epoxy. all I should have to do now is sand smooth. maybe a little fairing compound. do yall know where I can find gel coat? you would think it would be easy, but i havent been successful. I need to make it a somewhat light cream color if possible. thanks fellas!

 

[Patriot]

West Marine sells a gel coat repair kit that has tinting agents. The tints are very strong so you only need the tiniest amount of yellow to change the white gel coat into cream. Possibly some brown.

BTW...matching gel coat is challenging. Do so in full sunlight for best results.