r/boating • u/build_with_augustin • 16h ago
How should I repair the hull? fiberglass or gelcoat only?
on my last trip, my sail ripped all the way down, I lost control in the current and got pushed onto some rocks.
Luckily, the boat didn't sink, and some fishermen came to help me.
I need to fix the damage to the hull,
do you think I need to use fiberglass, or is gelcoat enough?
what steps should I follow to repair it properly?
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u/daysailor70 16h ago
You have serious fiberglass damage here. You need to grind down, rebuild the layup, fair, gelcoat, barrier coat and paint. Not a job for you if uncomfortable with fiberglass construction and repair.
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u/build_with_augustin 16h ago
I there any rule about the need of fiberglass or not?
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u/beerrunner88 16h ago
My dude, you can see the ragged edges of the fiberglass. This isn’t cosmetic, it’s structure integral to your water barrier. Sure, you could hit it with some hot glue and ramen noodles, and it would APPEAR fine. But you’re lining yourself up for a bigger repair after it gets water logged.
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u/2Loves2loves 13h ago
google osmotic blisters in fiberglass.
That HAS to be fixed, water can and will permeate into the fibers of the fiberglass and do more damage.
yt boatworkstoday.
sand off the shiny / paint, thickened epoxy resin, or some six-10, to fill the fiberglass, then sand (or use a peel coat skin) the get some 'preval' brand disposable sprayers, and gelcoat with wax to spay on that. (might need to thin it with MEK or acetone).
or you could roll and tip the gelcoat. yt has all the training you need.
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u/WhetherWitch 16h ago
Dude, hire a fiberglass person. Dont put it back in the water until it’s fixed completely or you’ll have osmosis out the wazoo.
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u/RedditAppSuxAsss 16h ago
That needs glass work
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u/build_with_augustin 16h ago
which part of the hull needs it?
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u/RedditAppSuxAsss 16h ago
The parts where you can see damage down to the glass.
Looks like an easy DIY fix, but make sure you watch some videos to do it correctly.
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u/build_with_augustin 16h ago
even if the fiberglass doesn't move when I press it?
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u/RedditAppSuxAsss 16h ago
Absolutely needs fiberglass work. The fact that it doesn't move just means that you're going to fix it before it gets extremely bad / delaminates.
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u/build_with_augustin 16h ago
what is the risk of using only gelcoat? potential next steps? since the fiberglass is it solid
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u/RedditAppSuxAsss 16h ago
The risk is you'll wish you'd just fixed it right the first time because now you turned a one hour job into a six hour job.
This is an insanely easy fix to do with fiberglass. Just do it right, the first time that way you have peace of mind that your boat isn't going to delaminate and sink out on the water.
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u/build_with_augustin 16h ago
that's clear, and what are steps to follow to repair it? Any specific tool / fiberglass to use?
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u/RedditAppSuxAsss 16h ago
The strongest repair is from both the inside and outside, but for most small to moderate damage you can get away with an external repair first.
Materials: Epoxy resin system either from total boat or west systems.
Stranded Filler, fiberfill or something from total boat or west system.
Fiberglass mat or cloth for this application, I think either chopped or woven will be fine. Acetone or mineral spirits 80 to 150 grit sandpaper
Step-by-step
Dry the area thoroughly Any trapped moisture will ruin adhesion. Use a heat source and let it sit overnight if needed.
Grind into a V shape and prep Sand the damaged area and 1–2 inches beyond it using 80–150 grit. You want a dull, rough surface for mechanical bond.
Clean Wipe with acetone or mineral spirits. Let it fully flash off.
Decide if you need fiberglass mat This is the part most people skip incorrectly. Use fiberglass mat or cloth when: The damage goes through the hull or is soft when pressed There are cracks, not just surface chips The area flexes at all Material is missing, not just dented The repair area is larger than about a quarter You can skip mat and go straight filler when: It is purely cosmetic (gelcoat chips, shallow gouges) No flex, no cracking, no structural loss
Pretty much if you can see it down to the fiberglass, you need fiberglass added
If using fiberglass (structural repair) Cut mat into progressively larger pieces (smallest first) Mix epoxy (no filler yet for this step) Wet out the area with straight epoxy Lay the first piece, saturate it fully Add 1–3 layers depending on depth: 1 layer: minor crack reinforcement 2–3 layers: small hole or moderate impact More layers: only if you are rebuilding thickness Let it cure fully. Then lightly sand before moving on.
Filler application Mix epoxy with filler until peanut butter consistency. Apply with a plastic spreader or bondo knife. Aim for slightly proud of the surface. Do not chase perfection here.
Cure and rework Next day: It should be fully hard and not dent with a fingernail Sand smooth Clean Apply a skim coat if needed Repeat until the surface is right.
Finish Once smooth: Final sand (220–320 grit) Clean Paint with epoxy appliance spray
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u/HomefreeNotHomeless 15h ago
I’m with everyone in the camp that says fiberglass. That looks pretty serious and needs some work. Check out FishBumpTV on YouTube and follow what he says.
It’s not hard or expensive to fix but it will take some time
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u/robertva1 15h ago
With a gellcoat repair kit
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u/build_with_augustin 15h ago
only gelcoat works for you?
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u/robertva1 14h ago
Yep something like this https://a.co/d/09Fhkvqo but that one gouge will need to be filled with resin and fiberglass cloth and sanded smooth first
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u/deltamoney 16h ago edited 15h ago
You need to grind those out and fiberglass them to repair properly.
Fiberglass can fracture and splinter internally when impacted. You have to remove all that to fix it properly.