Damaged hull can I still go out to play?

[whackywoody]

Hi Folks,

I damaged my hull at the weekend (don't ask me how) in the wetline on the chime as per photo. The chip in the gelcoat has exposed the fibre glass behind it.

I keep the boat on a trailer and the hull will get repaired by the professionals next week however I want to go out this weekend would it be ok to take it out for 1 day with the fibreglass exposed or should I do a temporary repair with a product like this

Plastic Padding Plastic Padding - Gelcoat Filler - Only £11.95 - Force 4 Chandlery

Looking forward for your opinions folks

[nugent]

Defo temp repair or the matting will absorb lots of the wet salty stuff in no time

Contemplating a day out my self

[nugent]

That looks a little hollow there between the gel and lay up. Or is it just the pic ?

[ShinyShoe]

Car body filler would be a decent enough temp fix, set in a few minutes. Not really intended to be water proof but good enough. Easy enough to remove properly.

Now you know we need to know... ....how?

[butty]

Keen eyes Nugent, that does look like a void.... The resin and matt are shines rather that white which is the give away....

[whackywoody]

Originally Posted by butty

Keen eyes Nugent, that does look like a void.... The resin and matt are shines rather that white which is the give away....

Edd, not sure what you mean chaps! I can't put my finger through the hole?

[Searider]

Will be ok to take out for the day.
Better to stick some gelcoat filler on the area.
DONT use car body filler - it absorbs water.
Typical area for a void to have been - all you've done is knock it open.

If you're going to the trouble of buying some gelcoat filler why not do the repair yourself, it's only cosmetic damage.
Mask up around the area, apply the filler as per instructions. Once cured sand back going through the grades and finally polishing.

[bad_moose]

Wouldn't use it as it is, but a bit of gelcoat filler should do it temporarily. It's a pretty quick job, if it's only temporary.

[ShinyShoe]

Originally Posted by Searider

Will be ok to take out for the day.

DONT use car body filler - it absorbs water.

So it'd be better to use it for the day than with a bit of P38…?

If it needs it P40 (the one that forms fibres) is as waterproof as any styrene fibreglass. Its the calcium carbonate they add to the P38 to make it easy sand that absorbs water... In the long term...

That said styrene fibreglass is not water proof... That's why you should cover it. But I was only suggesting something to stop water getting in... Duck tape?

[Hightower]

For the time it would take to temporary repair I'd buy some 2 part Plastic Padding Gel coat filler and do it properly. Use a dremel and hollow the chip out a little. This will reveal fresh sub structure in which to bond the filler and allow you to taper and clean the edges in preparation of filling the hole.

[grahame42]

I think by posing the question you have answered it yourself - repair first. And if you don't like your attempt you can get it cosmetically improved later.

[whackywoody]

Thanks everyone for your input

The boat is now booked into the professionals on Wednesday so I won't be messing round with gel coat or not repairing (even worse)just to get it on the water.

Thanks

[Barrowboy]

Sorry to hear about your 'incident' Gareth and hope you get it all sorted for next weekend.

[pow2gran]

Gareth the guys at Menai marine do a great job and you won't be disappointed or even know it's been repaired. Unfortunately you missed a good day yesterday. Seeing that you won't be out today and it's a Sunday I guess you will be going to church and to confessional. Would you like to share confessional with your fellow ribnetters?

[whackywoody]

Nick and Tony, thanks for your kind words

Mr Smooooooooooth has already recommended Menai Marine and the boat has been booked in this Wednesday coming.

Hopefully the weather will still be good next week as I will be in Caernfaron Wednesday - Friday

Won't be around next weekend Tony as I will be at the Southampton boat show