What filler for cuts/gouges in hull along the keel-gctid817552

[sandt]

I've got scrapes along the keel and a couple other areas of the hull where the gel-coat has been scraped away and I can see fiberglass fibers (see pix). I've sanded the areas down and a boat repair guy told me to just put a few coats of fiberglass resin over them. However, I've been reading and seen comments about bondo fiberglass resin (polyester?) not being good for below the waterline, and that I should use epoxy instead. But then I read that you cant put gelcoat over epoxy, and that gelcoat will only go over a polyester resin (such as bondo fiberglass resin?). Now that I've read more, Im confused... Reading more isnt really helping at this point.

What should I use to fill over the gouges, epoxy or fiberglass resin? Can anyone tell me a brand and product name for whichever it is? Something I can get at a marine supply/parts place or hardware store, and dont have to order and ship, if possible. Either way, do I need to put gelcoat over it? If so, what's a good product to use (Im not too worried about color matching). I dont really care about the cosmetic appearance of the keel and this ridge, but I want everything to be structurally sound. If gelcoat isnt needed and I only need one product on the hull, that's what I want, as long as Im not messing with the integrity of the hull...

Also, are the stress cracks on the transom in the picture I included an immediate problem?


Attached files

[rmitch]

I had similar damage on my 2650 and used West System epoxy. I started by sanding and feathering out the damage which removed more gel coat. I applied the epoxy on the exposed damage and put plastic over the fresh repair by gently hand working the plastic film over the fresh epoxy and worked out the air bubbles. After the epoxy kicks off, after about an hour, pull the plastic. Second, I sanded the fully cured epoxy. I then faired in the damaged areas with west system epoxy mixed with west system filler to a consistency of peanut butter and applied over the low spots until the hull is proud of flush. Sand with 180, finish sanding with 320 and bring hull back to original contours. I used Mega Wear Keel Guard over the repairs to prevent this kind of damage.

[builderdude]

If your not concerned with matching the color over the repair then I'd do as Mitch suggested and use epoxy with filler.

FYI this guy has some great videos on many different types of fiberglass repair.

http://boatworkstoday.com

[Guest]

I'd use white marine-tex epoxy as long as this is cosmetic only.

Those stress crack would worry me a great deal. Looks like a soft transom...the cracks do not appear by themselves.

If it were mine I would have a helper jump on the outdrive when trimmed all down and watch the transom very closely for any movement...This will give you some idea how bad it is.

Chay