Gelcoat chip

[mf01]

I was changing my oil this weekend to store my boat for the winter. I noticed a dime size area of missing fiberglass. I just noticed it for the first time, but I think it happened a month ago. My friend was pulling me and said he hit a log. Is this something that can get worse? What are my options for getting it fixed (any kits)? Thanks.

[KD7000Guy]

RE: Gelcoat chip

Is the fiber glass that is exposed damaged at all? I had a little bit smaller chip similar to that one on the under side of the hull and my guy mechanic told me as long as the fiber glass was not damaged it was not urgent. I am as anal as a lot of guys here with my boat. I couldn't get my boat in for repair for a couple weeks but wanted to ski before I could get it in. He suggested a nail polish to cover the chip till i could get it in, just to be extra safe. My wife happened to have some nail polish that matched my silver cloud hull pretty well. I put about 5 coats on it and it really worked well for a temp. fix...and you could hardly see my chip any more. With all that said, if you can get it fixed by a pro I would. It will put your mind at ease, mine only cost about $150 and you couldn't even tell when it was done.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Gelcoat chip

I heard OPI makes a color called, "I Really Didn't Ding My Nautique"

[KD7000Guy]

RE: Gelcoat chip

Actually I think the color is actually "Holy s@*! that did not just happen" check the warning on the label though...I think it says something like "may cause one to become light headed or even vomit".

In all honesty, my wife informed me that it is made by Essie and the color is Marshmallow

[mf01]

RE: Gelcoat chip

So this isn't something I could fix on my own? Cosmetically, I really not worried. It's under the boat and no one ever sees it. I'm worried more about long term damage if it's left like that.

[mf01]

RE: Gelcoat chip

What about this: http://www.discountmarinesupplies.co...EPAIR_KIT.html

[KD7000Guy]

RE: Gelcoat chip

I have heard some of the guys here do their own gel coat repairs, so I am sure you could. I really didn't want to mess with it. If your going to do it yourself though, I would get the proper gel coat used on Nautiques, I think you get from from Midwest Nautique? I think my mechanic ordered it directly, using my serial number from the boat, he made sure he was ordering the right color. Color matching is hard enough even when you have the "right" color from Nautique. Mixing your own colors from a generic set seems like it would be tough to me...but by no means am I an expert, maybe someone else here has done it and can help more...

[mf01]

RE: Gelcoat chip

I just found this: http://www.spectrumcolor.com/catalog.htm
You can get the factory color from them.

[Teleman]

RE: Gelcoat chip

Cool web site!!! They got it all.

[8122pbrainard]

RE: Gelcoat chip

Use one of the kits like the Evercoat. Not expensive and pretty easy to use. Getting the color match is the tough problem. Use the tip of a tooth pick to add the color in VERY small amounts until you get the color, then add the hardener. It will work great and it is below the water line so a slight mismatch of color won't show. Even the custom color matches per the gel color specs are slightly off. Age and different gel batches.
Nail polish?? Come on!!!!

[KD7000Guy]

RE: Gelcoat chip

Yeah...nail polish...for 2 weeks...it kept the 1/4 inch of exposed fiber glass dry so I could ski a few times with out worry until I could get it in to have it professionally repaired.

[mf01]

Re: RE: Gelcoat chip

Use one of the kits like the Evercoat. Not expensive and pretty easy to use. Getting the color match is the tough problem. Use the tip of a tooth pick to add the color in VERY small amounts until you get the color, then add the hardener. It will work great and it is below the water line so a slight mismatch of color won't show. Even the custom color matches per the gel color specs are slightly off. Age and different gel batches.
Nail polish?? Come on!!!!

Yeah, I emailed spectrum. They warned me of the color changing over time.

[8122pbrainard]

Re: RE: Gelcoat chip

Yeah...nail polish...for 2 weeks...it kept the 1/4 inch of exposed fiber glass dry so I could ski a few times with out worry until I could get it in to have it professionally repaired.

I'm happy to hear that you took it to a pro for the repair because it's obvious you are challenged with fiberglass. CC started using the AME resins in I believe 93. Besides it being a stronger resin, the biggest benefit is it's not hygroscopic. Is nail polish? You may have done more harm than good!!!

[KD7000Guy]

RE: Re: RE: Gelcoat chip

Wow!!

I am actually challenged at doing most repairs beyond an oil change/ winterizing my boat, but good job noticing. I am however impressed with your knowledge of resins.
Since I am sure your dieing to know how my repair turned out, it could not be more perfect. You can not tell that there was a small chip and my boat is back to being mint condition.

Lighten up!!

[8122pbrainard]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Gelcoat chip

Lighten up!!

KD,
I was lightened up when I made my first "nail polish?? come on!!!!" comment but it seems you needed to come back and defend your absurd nail polish recommendation. mf01 was asking for sound advice for the repair of his gel and not "back yard" advice.