What is this on the hull

[bowrow]

So I bought this ski pretty cheap a while ago and have been having a blast with it. Now I’m thinking about repairing some of the exterior blemishes just to learn. There is this stuff on the underside of the hull on top of the gel coat along the underside. Is this an attempt to repair the “repair” the gel coat. If so can I sand it down and apply something to it? Or should I just leave it. I’ve been already debating looking for a good condition donor ski hull down the road.

 

[burtshaver2021]

Unless you don’t mind putting countless hours in, I would look for a donor hull, gel coat for that big of an area would take in the neighborhood of 40 hours to do, if done halfway right

 

[mikidymac]

That is the fiberglass under the gelcoat, not something on the gelcoat. Gelcoat is just like thick paint, the fiberglass is the structure like metal.

Just ride it and enjoy.

 

[bowrow]

Unless you don’t mind putting countless hours in, I would look for a donor hull, gel coat for that big of an area would take in the neighborhood of 40 hours to do, if done halfway right

Damm ok. Is it ok to ride in the condition it’s in? I’ve taken it to the Ozarks and out on Lake Michigan hitting big waves. I’ve never thought really thought too much about it. Also how much should I realistically be spending for a donor hull?

 

[mikidymac]

Yes, perfectly fine and not worth messing with. As long as there are no holes punched through or leaking water into the hull it is just cosmetic.

 

[bowrow]

That is the fiberglass under the gelcoat, not something on the gelcoat. Gelcoat is just like thick paint, the fiberglass is the structure like metal.

Just ride it and enjoy.

Nah It’s definitely on top of the Gelcoat. I can pick off some of it and see the gelcoat underneath. My thought was that it’s something the previous owner used to fill in gelcoat chips and just threw it on a bigger area than needed and didn’t sand it down. I just don’t know exactly what material it could be and if it’s safe to still ride for a while until I fix it or get a new hull.

 

[mikidymac]

Are you sure it isn't just baked on scum from being stored in the water?
Get a razor blade and try scraping it off.
No reason to get a new hull.

Nobody would repair gelcoat like that.

If it is a fiberglass repair like kitty hair it is a horrible job and never goes over gelcoat.

Get it off and see what you find. If there is a hole we can help repair it correctly and easily.

 

[bowrow]

Are you sure it isn't just baked on scum from being stored in the water?
Get a razor blade and try scraping it off.
No reason to get a

 

[bowrow]

Eh I doubt it. When I picked it off it definitely felt like a man made material. Also I’ve owed it for 3 years and rode it a good amount of hours and it’s still there.

 

[burtshaver2021]

Damm ok. Is it ok to ride in the condition it’s in? I’ve taken it to the Ozarks and out on Lake Michigan hitting big waves. I’ve never thought really thought too much about it. Also how much should I realistically be spending for a donor hull?

I would just go around after a day on the water and press all around that patch and any bare spots with your fingers just to look for any possible soft spots. A donor hull should be pretty cheap. I’ve seen them the odd time for free, and usually no more than 200.00. Just depends on the condition of them