pics of gel coat damage...any repair suggestions???

[gcha1727]

These pics are from a 1996 challenger. At the 2 centering points of the damage it appears like someone tried to use white caulk.

Is there a way to repair the "centered location" of damage??
Also, the hundreds of small cracks around it... can those be fixed???

If theres a product out there for these repairs, where can I find them???
Will it match gel coat???

Thanks

 

[RFoster130]

I think the first pic is an easy fix. You could do that one and nobody would even tell. The 3rd pic is gonna be a little harder but you can still do it yourself. That middle one is where I would be concerned. That is a huge area and will take a lot of gel cote to fix.

The company gelcote makes the oem stuff for Sea Doo. They sell the exact colors to match. You can buy a small repair kit for $50 that would take care of the first spot and maybe the 2nd. That middle pic is gonna need more than the repair kit. The process of doing the repair ir fairly easy. I would attempt to fix it myself. you will probably need to buy the stuff by the quart though, not just the repair kit. Search on here and you tube for tips and videos.

You need to scrape out the broken chipped stuff and clean the gouge out. I used a small bottle opener, the little triangle pointed in cuts a nice groove to fill back in. Just take your time and dont use too much or you will be sanding all day.

 

[gcha1727]

The gelcoat repair that you mentioned..Im assuming its like a bondo,just fill, let dry, and sand...

Will that fill all the little cracks too???

Is there a more liquidy product for the small cracks or is it all the same???

Thanks

 

[RFoster130]

It is a liquid, then you add drops of hardener to it. You put it on with a small brush. Fill in the spots. Cover with clear plastic or wax paper, Smooth it out. I just used a credit card. Let it dry 2 hours, peel the plastic off and sand away. Then you buff it out and finish off with a wet sand. It will fill in the small cracks too, but you can help by actually using the bottle opener i mentioned to open them up a bit. You can buy it at gelcote.com

 

[mookerblu]

here is the website : http://www.gelcoat.ca/

here is a video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWEE6SFUdpg

I just ordered from www.gelcoat.ca I ordered their patch kit (2 oz paste and sandpaper). I agree with RFoster you will need more than just the kit/paste.

 

[gcha1727]

Thanks for the replies.

I went to the site ready to order and a quart was $91 and shipping out of canada was pricy. It also didnt state if it came with the hardener. Only the "kit packages" state that they do. I wasnt sure how much gelcote cost. I then looked online at west marine and they seem to be about half the price. Also, I live nearby one so I wouldnt have to wait or pay for shipping...

When stores sell white gelcoat does it match up well to seadoos???
Do boat manufacturers use different shades of gelcote ???

If i have to color match I probably would rather just go with the gelcote.com company

Thanks

 

[RFoster130]

I tried to post from my phone layin in bed last night but it didnt work..lol. anyway, I have seen a few members here use the universal kits from West Marine or Bass pro. They usually match just fine. Even the OEM kits, arent exact at first. With white, you are adding the original color to a spot that has been faded by sun for 10+ years,. The fixed area will be a little brighter at first, but after some sun exposure it blends right in.

You should be just fine. Even if it is off a bit, I am sure it is gonna be a huge improvement over the way it currently looks.

 

[TundraLu]

here is the website : http://www.gelcoat.ca/

here is a video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWEE6SFUdpg

I just ordered from www.gelcoat.ca I ordered their patch kit (2 oz paste and sandpaper). I agree with RFoster you will need more than just the kit/paste.

Thanks for the info. This is good information here.