FG work 1997 Ski Nautique

[wetskier2000]

Boat sustained transom damage from a falling tree. Given the size of the tree and the fact that it cleaned the platform right off the boat, I think the damage is fairly minimal. I also think part of it's saving grace was being on a floating Econolift that may have absorbed some of the impact. There are 4 or 5 external cracks in the gelcoat on the port side and some nicely "busted thru" FG matt pieces above the fuel tank. I've done some fiberglass work on boats and cars with pretty good success. I am going to tackle this one... I have basic questions however... any experts here? What type of resin (epoxy, vinyl, polyester), Any special FG matt I need to consider? My plan is to remove any hanging pieces of FG matt/old resin and start building it back up (down? :-) ).. I was surprised by how thin the hull appears to be in this area....

One other question.. There is what appears to be a block of wood fiberglassed into the transom which I expected to see a fitting or something attached to, but nothing... It's located just above the rub rail about halfway between the lift ring and the port, aft corner of the boat, Pic below... Obviously, I'll put it back but what's it for?? doesn't appear to line up with the grab bar either...

thanks!!!

[NautiqueJeff]

I wish I could help on this one, but I have a local shop that does all of my fiberglass and gelcoat work. I am very happy to hear you're saving this one though. Those TSC1 Ski Nautiques are awesome!

[SilentSeven]

Any chance you can post some pictures of the outside and maybe a pullaway picture (step back) of the inside? Like to better visualize what happened.

[wetskier2000]

From the outside, it doesn't look bad at all... a few cracks all less than 3-4 inches....

[wayoutthere]

Not a pro by any means, but if it was me vynilester 700 resin 1&1/2 once chopped strand mat.

i would not cut and or grind anything away inside or out until a make shift mold of the outside shape was made 6-8 inches around each damaged section using wax paper, blue tape, resin, mat and cardboard,
just in case the impact caused cracking/peeling past what you can see and the grinding and cutting leaves you with a hole instead of what looks minor right now.
plus just in case building back, the fiberglass needs support and shape.

hopefully it just needs ground on the inside and taped up over any holes to keep resin running over the outside and all over where you dont want it,
then a buildup of mat inside followed by some spectrum gelcoat paste and light sanding.

Agreed, doesnt look that bad (but pepare for worst is better than a now what) better pictures and description needed