Fiberglass Boat Touchup

[xd2005]

I have an old (emphasis on OLD) Columbia Fiberglass boat that has some scratches/worn areas on the bottom (as shown in the pictures below). I'm not looking for anything TOO comprehensive or expensive, but just looking for ideas on how I can get the worn areas to at least not have the glass showing.

Thoughts/Guidance? Thanks!

(P.S. I think the last picture looks worse than it really is, due to the angle and lighting)

[lostbackpacker]

I have used a product called, Marine Tex, on my livingston.  its a 2 part epoxy set up that you can use underwater also.  when cured it sand just like anything else. 

you can also just fiberglass over it and then gel coat it.  the gel coat is the expensive part. 

[jjaba]

Bondo makes a good Filler for fiberglass. sands easily and can paint to match the hull. works well and not expensive.

[xd2005]

Great answers. Thanks guys.

As far as painting over, are there marine "spray paints" that can be used?

[lostbackpacker]

i know that for some model of boats, they make a metal runner.

that would go on the bottom hull of the boat.  it would protect the "v" portion that is constantly making contact when you beach the boat. 

[xd2005]

i know that for some model of boats, they make a metal runner.

that would go on the bottom hull of the boat.  it would protect the "v" portion that is constantly making contact when you beach the boat.

Good idea, I'll have to see if I can find something like that. I don't have a trailer for it (only 10') so it spends time getting drug/set on the ground.

[jjaba]

Marine Spray paint. I've used regular marine paint and get a preval sprayer. where you just use regular paint and thin out to 4:1 with thinner and you make your own spray paint. works great.

[RB]

I have used a product called, Marine Tex, on my livingston.  its a 2 part epoxy set up that you can use underwater also.  when cured it sand just like anything else. 

you can also just fiberglass over it and then gel coat it.  the gel coat is the expensive part.

Marine Tex is really good have used it as well

[sumbeech66]

You have probably jumped all over this project already but if you havent. I fiberglass patched a few holes in my old 8' boat then used bed liner for the final product. Worked great for a long time. 

[xd2005]

Nah, was out of town this weekend. Bed liner sounds like a good idea!

[gasman]

Sand down the keel a bit, fill the holes or any other areas with Fiberglass body fill (same as Bondo, just made with fiberglass strands. bondo will absorb water if it is exposed to moisture). to protect the keel and any other area regularly dragged across the rocks that will scratch, put a couple layers of fiberglass cloth over it, one layer at a time, them paint with gel coat.

i would not use bed liner, it may create extra drag in water, but that may not matter to some.

You can buy a Keel Protector for the front of the boat, Its like a thick piece of rubber to help protect the keel when beached.

[robodad]

Duraglas is a great filler, and is sandable also strong as heck. 

[fishseeker]

Go to iBOATS.com in the restore threads and search peanut butter. That is the best filler for fiberglass. Bondo will suck up water. It's a little harder to work with but much better results. Mixes up with resin.

[jay.sharkbait]

Remember, you cannot put gelcoat over any epoxy product. Since it is a dinghy and not stored in the water I would bondo the deep gouges and brush or preval gelcoat over the top. Just be sure that the gelcoat has the wax added to it so the surface will cure.

[wildweeds]

If it don't leak ............ run it, the fish don't care and they are the only ones who can see it when your topside!