Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs
 

I have a 94' chaparral and at the "V" on the hull toward the front there is
wear straight to the fiberglass about 3 feet long. It might be from awhile
ago and looks like it could possibly be from the bottom roller, it wore
through and might have cause the constant rubbing while loading and
unloading from the trailer. It is smooth not ruff, and no cracks or gouges.
What is the best way to repair this? Tips, Products ? ?

Thanks! !

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs
 

If the gelcoat is worn off it will be a chore to repair. It doesn't
affect the structural integrity of your boat. As long as it is a
trailer boat it will not be in the water long for the fiberglass to
absorb water. It is common and is sually the result of repeated
beachings on sandy shores. Make sure the trailer roller is rolling
since you think that is the cause of yours.

An easy fix might be to get one of those hull guard strips. They are
basically plastic strips that stick on the hull at the V to protect it.
They come in lengths up to at least 5 feet. West marine and others
have them in their catalogs.

oelf92 wrote:
I have a 94' chaparral and at the "V" on the hull toward the front there is
wear straight to the fiberglass about 3 feet long. It might be from awhile
ago and looks like it could possibly be from the bottom roller, it wore
through and might have cause the constant rubbing while loading and
unloading from the trailer. It is smooth not ruff, and no cracks or gouges.
What is the best way to repair this? Tips, Products ? ?

Thanks! !

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

Yea i justcalled a local marina that i turst and tried to explain to them
what is wrong, they said it's a big job. I was hoping it was something i
could do myself, but maybe not. I have attached three pictures maybe you
can give me a few more pointers...

http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat1.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat2.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat3.JPG

Thanks again! !



"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
If the gelcoat is worn off it will be a chore to repair. It doesn't
affect the structural integrity of your boat. As long as it is a
trailer boat it will not be in the water long for the fiberglass to
absorb water. It is common and is sually the result of repeated
beachings on sandy shores. Make sure the trailer roller is rolling
since you think that is the cause of yours.

An easy fix might be to get one of those hull guard strips. They are
basically plastic strips that stick on the hull at the V to protect it.
They come in lengths up to at least 5 feet. West marine and others
have them in their catalogs.

oelf92 wrote:
I have a 94' chaparral and at the "V" on the hull toward the front there
is
wear straight to the fiberglass about 3 feet long. It might be from
awhile
ago and looks like it could possibly be from the bottom roller, it wore
through and might have cause the constant rubbing while loading and
unloading from the trailer. It is smooth not ruff, and no cracks or
gouges.
What is the best way to repair this? Tips, Products ? ?

Thanks! !

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

oelf92 wrote:
Yea i justcalled a local marina that i turst and tried to explain to them
what is wrong, they said it's a big job. I was hoping it was something i
could do myself, but maybe not. I have attached three pictures maybe you
can give me a few more pointers...

http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat1.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat2.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat3.JPG

Thanks again! !



"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
If the gelcoat is worn off it will be a chore to repair. It doesn't
affect the structural integrity of your boat. As long as it is a
trailer boat it will not be in the water long for the fiberglass to
absorb water. It is common and is sually the result of repeated
beachings on sandy shores. Make sure the trailer roller is rolling
since you think that is the cause of yours.

An easy fix might be to get one of those hull guard strips. They are
basically plastic strips that stick on the hull at the V to protect it.
They come in lengths up to at least 5 feet. West marine and others
have them in their catalogs.

oelf92 wrote:
I have a 94' chaparral and at the "V" on the hull toward the front there
is
wear straight to the fiberglass about 3 feet long. It might be from
awhile
ago and looks like it could possibly be from the bottom roller, it wore
through and might have cause the constant rubbing while loading and
unloading from the trailer. It is smooth not ruff, and no cracks or
gouges.
What is the best way to repair this? Tips, Products ? ?

Thanks! !



Seal the bottom with 3 coats epoxy barrier and then apply bottom paint.

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

Tom is right, that doesn't look good. It also looks like the glass has
already started to absorb some water. It has to be 100% bone dry before you
try any repair. If you want to do a cheap repair, you can do as another
poster mentioned. Epoxy barrier then bottom pain. I would add to that a
keelguard (www.keelguard.com) which will prevent further damage, and cover a
less than satisfactory looking repair. Just make sure that you follow the
directions for adhering the keelguard EXACTLY.

--Mike

"oelf92" wrote in message
...
Yea i justcalled a local marina that i turst and tried to explain to them
what is wrong, they said it's a big job. I was hoping it was something i
could do myself, but maybe not. I have attached three pictures maybe you
can give me a few more pointers...

http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat1.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat2.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat3.JPG

Thanks again! !



"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
If the gelcoat is worn off it will be a chore to repair. It doesn't
affect the structural integrity of your boat. As long as it is a
trailer boat it will not be in the water long for the fiberglass to
absorb water. It is common and is sually the result of repeated
beachings on sandy shores. Make sure the trailer roller is rolling
since you think that is the cause of yours.

An easy fix might be to get one of those hull guard strips. They are
basically plastic strips that stick on the hull at the V to protect it.
They come in lengths up to at least 5 feet. West marine and others
have them in their catalogs.

oelf92 wrote:
I have a 94' chaparral and at the "V" on the hull toward the front there
is
wear straight to the fiberglass about 3 feet long. It might be from
awhile
ago and looks like it could possibly be from the bottom roller, it wore
through and might have cause the constant rubbing while loading and
unloading from the trailer. It is smooth not ruff, and no cracks or
gouges.
What is the best way to repair this? Tips, Products ? ?

Thanks! !

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat1.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat2.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat3.JPG

Damn, how long have you been ignoring this? That's a lotta material that's
been scraped off. Get a fiberglas shop to fix it right and ask them about a
keel guard. That much wear looks like something besides the trailer was
involved. Do you beach it? All the more reason to look into a keel guard
of some sort. Then look at that trailer setup and see what can be done to
avoid wrecking it in the future.

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

I really just noticed it now.. Dunno how long it's been like that. Guess I
should pay more attention.. (all things i learn having my first boat)... I
never beach it. The roller was worn through in the middle but i don't know
if that would cause that much damage..

I am probably going to get a keelguard and maybe try to use the epoxy
barrier before and just put multiple coats on... Any other specific
products???

I really don't want to spead alot of $$$$ repairing it. But i will have
someone look at it...

-Matt
"Bill Kearney" wrote in message
...
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat1.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat2.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat3.JPG

Damn, how long have you been ignoring this? That's a lotta material
that's
been scraped off. Get a fiberglas shop to fix it right and ask them about
a
keel guard. That much wear looks like something besides the trailer was
involved. Do you beach it? All the more reason to look into a keel guard
of some sort. Then look at that trailer setup and see what can be done to
avoid wrecking it in the future.

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

I've seen worse but I agree with the others, it's pretty bad. If
you're looking for a cheap solution here's what I would do. Take some
sanding paper to it and clean it up best you can. Try not to sand
through the gelcoat anymore but get any big gouges down and smooth it
out a bit. Then dry it as much as possible. If you can put it in a
garage do that and point a small fan at it for about a week or two. If
there are any deep gouges you can fill them with two part epoxy mixed
with a filler. You can use wax paper and masking tape to hold any
filler spots in while they harden. Epoxy does not need air to dry.
Then paint a few coats of two part epoxy on it. Clear epoxy is ok but
if you can find a 2 part colored epoxy paint that is a close match to
your gelcoat you can use it. The goal is to seal the fiberglass
because fiberglass is not really water proof, it absorbs water slowly.
Epoxy is really better than polyester fiberglass and more reliable for
the average diy'er. Then use a keel guard that is big enough to cover
the whole mess and apply it carefully according to the directions. As
long as you keep on trailering it that will be a good enough repair.
I'd get the keel guard first so I will know how much it will "hide".


oelf92 wrote:
Yea i justcalled a local marina that i turst and tried to explain to them
what is wrong, they said it's a big job. I was hoping it was something i
could do myself, but maybe not. I have attached three pictures maybe you
can give me a few more pointers...

http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat1.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat2.JPG
http://www.ilark.net/boat/boat3.JPG

Thanks again! !



"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
If the gelcoat is worn off it will be a chore to repair. It doesn't
affect the structural integrity of your boat. As long as it is a
trailer boat it will not be in the water long for the fiberglass to
absorb water. It is common and is sually the result of repeated
beachings on sandy shores. Make sure the trailer roller is rolling
since you think that is the cause of yours.

An easy fix might be to get one of those hull guard strips. They are
basically plastic strips that stick on the hull at the V to protect it.
They come in lengths up to at least 5 feet. West marine and others
have them in their catalogs.

oelf92 wrote:
I have a 94' chaparral and at the "V" on the hull toward the front there
is
wear straight to the fiberglass about 3 feet long. It might be from
awhile
ago and looks like it could possibly be from the bottom roller, it wore
through and might have cause the constant rubbing while loading and
unloading from the trailer. It is smooth not ruff, and no cracks or
gouges.
What is the best way to repair this? Tips, Products ? ?

Thanks! !

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

I really don't want to spead alot of $$$$ repairing it. But i will have
someone look at it...

That's the best idea yet. Do not just half-ass it with some epoxy and
keelguard. Do it the right way. If you don't and your crappy attempt fails
you risk having it sink. It won't seem like much of a bargain to have the
whole boat be a total loss. And insurance won't take to kindly to an
amateur job being at fault.

I really just noticed it now.. Dunno how long it's been like that. Guess
I
should pay more attention.. (all things i learn having my first boat)... I
never beach it. The roller was worn through in the middle but i don't
know
if that would cause that much damage..

What, worn through to the metal beneath it? Uh, YEAH, that'd be a problem!

Bite the bullet and get the job done right. Boats teach expensive lessons.

-Bill Kearney

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

Bill, I think you're not considering the entire situation. This is a
trailer boat that I'm making a guess is under 21 ft since it only has
one bunk on each side. It's a 94 which makes it 12 years old. I'm
swagging a guess that it's worth somewhere between $6k and $10k. To
restore the front of the keel to the original condition would probably
cost way more than is reasonable. What I suggested is not far from
what they would do except a shop would be able to replace the missing
gelcoat with gelcoat. Gelcoat is tricky to work with where as epoxy
paint is relatively fool proof. For a diy'er epoxy paint is much more
reliable that gelcoat. The keel guard is because there is no way
without a whole lot of work it is going to look as smooth as the rest
of the gelcoat on the boat. The keel guard takes care of the
cosmetics. If this was a $100k cruiser then it would be a different
situation.

Bill Kearney wrote:
I really don't want to spead alot of $$$$ repairing it. But i will have
someone look at it...

That's the best idea yet. Do not just half-ass it with some epoxy and
keelguard. Do it the right way. If you don't and your crappy attempt fails
you risk having it sink. It won't seem like much of a bargain to have the
whole boat be a total loss. And insurance won't take to kindly to an
amateur job being at fault.

I really just noticed it now.. Dunno how long it's been like that. Guess
I
should pay more attention.. (all things i learn having my first boat)... I
never beach it. The roller was worn through in the middle but i don't
know
if that would cause that much damage..

What, worn through to the metal beneath it? Uh, YEAH, that'd be a problem!

Bite the bullet and get the job done right. Boats teach expensive lessons.

-Bill Kearney

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

Yeah, there's certainly some truth to the notion of 'good money after bad'.

For me the question would be how to minimize future expense and risks. I'd
hate to have a worst-case scenario come up. Like a poor repair job allowing
water infiltration that causes significant weakening of the keel. Weaking
that would allow sudden failure to sink the boat. Perhaps from impact with
somethat that a decent repair would handle without incident. Or just
catastrophic failure while underway at speed.

So I'd balance between what it'd cost to the job done right, selling the
boat as is, or calculating the risk of what a temporary repair job (being
kind) might incur.

But you make a good point.

-Bill Kearney



"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
Bill, I think you're not considering the entire situation. This is a
trailer boat that I'm making a guess is under 21 ft since it only has
one bunk on each side. It's a 94 which makes it 12 years old. I'm
swagging a guess that it's worth somewhere between $6k and $10k. To
restore the front of the keel to the original condition would probably
cost way more than is reasonable. What I suggested is not far from
what they would do except a shop would be able to replace the missing
gelcoat with gelcoat. Gelcoat is tricky to work with where as epoxy
paint is relatively fool proof. For a diy'er epoxy paint is much more
reliable that gelcoat. The keel guard is because there is no way
without a whole lot of work it is going to look as smooth as the rest
of the gelcoat on the boat. The keel guard takes care of the
cosmetics. If this was a $100k cruiser then it would be a different
situation.

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

Imho water intrusion is a lot less of an issue on a trailer boat than
it is on boats that live in slip. It's not in the water for any great
length of time. Epoxies are good sealers and if applied with
reasonable care to a dried surface should provide adequate intrusion
protection for a boat that does not live in the water except when being
used. The boat is required to meet the cg flotation requirement based
on it's year and the size. It won't sink, it will just fill with
water. Not that that's not a royal pain in the ass if it happens. Also
it's been my observation that the keel on that type of boat tends to be
thick because typically the polester is sprayed in the mold and tends
to fill behind the keel protrusion. It would be worth a close
examination of the immediate area to see if it flexes excessively or
not. That could change the plan.

Bill Kearney wrote:
Yeah, there's certainly some truth to the notion of 'good money after bad'.

For me the question would be how to minimize future expense and risks. I'd
hate to have a worst-case scenario come up. Like a poor repair job allowing
water infiltration that causes significant weakening of the keel. Weaking
that would allow sudden failure to sink the boat. Perhaps from impact with
somethat that a decent repair would handle without incident. Or just
catastrophic failure while underway at speed.

So I'd balance between what it'd cost to the job done right, selling the
boat as is, or calculating the risk of what a temporary repair job (being
kind) might incur.

But you make a good point.

-Bill Kearney



"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
Bill, I think you're not considering the entire situation. This is a
trailer boat that I'm making a guess is under 21 ft since it only has
one bunk on each side. It's a 94 which makes it 12 years old. I'm
swagging a guess that it's worth somewhere between $6k and $10k. To
restore the front of the keel to the original condition would probably
cost way more than is reasonable. What I suggested is not far from
what they would do except a shop would be able to replace the missing
gelcoat with gelcoat. Gelcoat is tricky to work with where as epoxy
paint is relatively fool proof. For a diy'er epoxy paint is much more
reliable that gelcoat. The keel guard is because there is no way
without a whole lot of work it is going to look as smooth as the rest
of the gelcoat on the boat. The keel guard takes care of the
cosmetics. If this was a $100k cruiser then it would be a different
situation.

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

Thank you all for your help.... After hearing all advice and help, and
speaking with a few people locally, I plan on using an EPOXY RESIN (3-4
coats) then putting a keel gaurd on... I was told that if i use a Gelcoat it
is not as strong/durable but I will get the gloss finish...Any suggetions on
that?
"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
ups.com...
Imho water intrusion is a lot less of an issue on a trailer boat than
it is on boats that live in slip. It's not in the water for any great
length of time. Epoxies are good sealers and if applied with
reasonable care to a dried surface should provide adequate intrusion
protection for a boat that does not live in the water except when being
used. The boat is required to meet the cg flotation requirement based
on it's year and the size. It won't sink, it will just fill with
water. Not that that's not a royal pain in the ass if it happens. Also
it's been my observation that the keel on that type of boat tends to be
thick because typically the polester is sprayed in the mold and tends
to fill behind the keel protrusion. It would be worth a close
examination of the immediate area to see if it flexes excessively or
not. That could change the plan.

Bill Kearney wrote:
Yeah, there's certainly some truth to the notion of 'good money after
bad'.

For me the question would be how to minimize future expense and risks.
I'd
hate to have a worst-case scenario come up. Like a poor repair job
allowing
water infiltration that causes significant weakening of the keel.
Weaking
that would allow sudden failure to sink the boat. Perhaps from impact
with
somethat that a decent repair would handle without incident. Or just
catastrophic failure while underway at speed.

So I'd balance between what it'd cost to the job done right, selling the
boat as is, or calculating the risk of what a temporary repair job (being
kind) might incur.

But you make a good point.

-Bill Kearney



"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
Bill, I think you're not considering the entire situation. This is a
trailer boat that I'm making a guess is under 21 ft since it only has
one bunk on each side. It's a 94 which makes it 12 years old. I'm
swagging a guess that it's worth somewhere between $6k and $10k. To
restore the front of the keel to the original condition would probably
cost way more than is reasonable. What I suggested is not far from
what they would do except a shop would be able to replace the missing
gelcoat with gelcoat. Gelcoat is tricky to work with where as epoxy
paint is relatively fool proof. For a diy'er epoxy paint is much more
reliable that gelcoat. The keel guard is because there is no way
without a whole lot of work it is going to look as smooth as the rest
of the gelcoat on the boat. The keel guard takes care of the
cosmetics. If this was a $100k cruiser then it would be a different
situation.

Repairing Hull scratches/scuffs - PICS
 

Thank you all for your help.... After hearing all advice and help, and
speaking with a few people locally

Yeah, really do get some quotes from folks that actually do these sorts of
repairs for a living. No sense getting more work done than needed, or doing
less than is safe.