Owning a fiberglass boat can be a frustrating experience when small scratches, nicks, and gouges in the gelcoat occur. Fortunately, with a little patience and the right materials, you can repair these imperfections yourself. Begin by masking the area around the scratch, gouge, or hole. This protects it from inadvertently applied gelcoat or acetone sanding dust. 
Fiberglass boat repair is more affordable than many think. For example, it’s possible to get deep gouges and scratches repaired for less than $500 in materials if you do the work yourself. However, if you hire someone to do the job, you should expect to pay more than that. This is because most companies or yards that specialize in fiberglass boat repair charge by the hour and will add both labor charges and material costs to your bill.
Before you decide to tackle the project yourself, it is important to consider all the necessary materials and tools that you will need to complete the task. These include powdered fiberglass filler, woven fiberglass fabric or cloth, epoxy/polyester resin and gelcoat, resin reducer, wax, buffing compounds, and other supplies that can be purchased at any hardware store or online. Some of these materials are available in kits that will save you time and money by combining all the needed products into one convenient package.
Depending on the size and extent of your repair, you will need to grind and sand the damaged surface area in order to ensure that it is clean, smooth, and ready for resin bonding. It’s also a good idea to take this opportunity to check the area for delamination, which can cause serious problems down the road. If you notice any signs of delamination, it’s important to remove them as quickly as possible.
After the grinding and sanding processes are completed, you can apply the resin and cure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to strengthen and protect the repair. If you are repairing an entire section of your boat, make sure that the resin and gelcoat you use match the existing color. This will ensure that the finished product looks seamless and like it never even had a scratch or gouge.
It is also a good idea to consider the type of boat you have when determining how much you should spend on fiberglass boat repair. For instance, if your boat is a sailboat, you should choose an epoxy gelcoat that is more durable and resistant to sunlight. Otherwise, it will fade over time and require frequent repairs.
Materials
The materials needed for fiberglass boat repair include epoxy resin, fiberglass cloth, gel coat, fillers, and primer. The resin used in a fiberglass repair kit must be able to withstand chemicals and heat. It should also be able to withstand moisture, so it doesn’t develop mildew or deteriorate. A quality product that meets these standards will last longer and provide better results than cheaper options.
The first step in any fiberglass repair is to clean and prep the damaged area. Then, you need to make sure that the resin you’re using can bind to your existing surface. If the existing material is made from a different type of material, you may need to use a more durable bonding agent. For example, a vinyl ester-based resin is a great option for marine applications because it’s designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the water and environment.
Once you’ve prepared the area, it’s time to put the fiberglass patch in place. You’ll need to cut a piece of fiberglass cloth that is the same size as the hole you’re repairing. Then, you’ll need to lay the fiberglass over the hole, using fiberglass tape if necessary. After you’ve done that, you’ll need to mix up your resin and apply it over the fiberglass patch. You can do this with a putty knife or spreader. Be sure to work the resin into any crevices.
If you’re doing a large repair, you might need to add more layers of fiberglass and resin. The thickness of the layer will depend on how big the repair is. For instance, a repair to a deep crack near the waterline may require a full layup of the boat. This requires more labor, but it will ensure that the repairs are solid and long-lasting.
Once the patch is in place, you’ll need to sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s smooth and even with the rest of the surface of the boat. Then, you can finish the job with a good-quality gelcoat that matches your boat’s color.
Labor
Fiberglass boat repairs are often very labor-intensive. A professional will charge $75 to $110 per hour. They will also charge for materials used in the repair process. The exact cost of the work will depend on the severity of the damage and the materials needed to fix it.
It is important to hire a professional to do the repairs. This will ensure that the job is done properly and safely. It will also protect the owner from liability. In addition, a professional will be able to handle more complicated repairs than an amateur.
A fiberglass boat can be damaged by several things, including scratches and gouges. It is very important to have these repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent the damage from spreading. A good fiberglass repair shop will be able to do this quickly and effectively. They will also be able to fix any leaks that may occur.
Many people are hesitant to try fiberglass repairs themselves. They can be very messy and require specialized equipment. However, the benefits of doing so can outweigh the negatives. Some of the main benefits include saving money and learning how to do fiberglass repair. However, it is important to note that significant fiberglass repairs should always be made by a professional.
It is important to use a quality product when performing a fiberglass repair. This will help make sure that the new resin adheres to the existing fiberglass. It is important to follow the instructions carefully when using this material. Also, it is important to know how to mask the area and prepare it for sanding. This will help to protect the surrounding areas from inadvertent gelcoat or sanding. It is also a good idea to mask off any items that are not being repaired, such as the steering wheel.
Another common problem is air bubbles in the fiberglass laminate. These can weaken the hull and cause blisters. They are difficult to detect because they are invisible under the surface of the hull. A professional can repair these problems for a reasonable price.
Insurance
The type of boat you choose has a big impact on your insurance costs. Fiberglass boats tend to cost more than aluminum vessels. They also require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them looking like new. The good news is that fiberglass can be more malleable than aluminum, which makes it easier to create unique shapes and designs for the hull. This flexibility allows fiberglass to be used in places where other materials would not be feasible.
In addition to a basic boat liability policy, you should have an agreed-value policy and collision or comprehensive coverage. The agreed-value policy is based on a survey of your boat and provides you with the full replacement cost in the event of a total loss. This type of policy is less expensive than an actual cash value policy, which reimburses you for the current market value of your boat after a total loss, taking depreciation into account.
An additional policy to consider is garagekeeper’s liability, which protects you from expenses incurred while your boat is in your custody. This coverage is similar to the liability protection offered to car wash and auto detailing businesses. Liability coverage also extends to your boat when it is floating at the dock or even parked in your yard. You can also get pollution liability, which pays for oil, fuel, and other pollutants you might discharge into the waterways.
The popularity of fiberglass boats has created a dilemma for some boat owners, who find that their aging fiberglass boats are starting to break down. Many of these aging boats are being abandoned in public waters, creating environmental problems. However, there are some people who are trying to take action by collecting and cleaning up these old vessels. In order to do so, they need a lot of help from people who want to preserve these historic vessels. The process is not easy and requires a large amount of time and energy. Fortunately, many people are willing to volunteer their time. The video below, which was produced by WVTF, shows the story of one man who is helping to clean up these fiberglass boats.
