You have a boat to repair. But you’re not sure that you’re
ready to shell out hundreds or even thousands of dollars to an expert before
you know if you can handle the boat repairs yourself. That’s why we’ve put together
a list of five common DIY boat repair solutions that could allow you to keep
your boat functioning at its best.
Problem #1: A Hazy
Gel Coat
Solution: A
cloudy or hazy gel coat is perfectly normal—and often a simple sign of age. The
simple question is: how do you restore your faded gel coat to a like-new
finish?
The best way to restore it may be to rent a power buffer.
You should also make sure to use the right kind of product to address your
issue. For example, Fiberglass
Rubbing Compound can restore the quality of your fiberglass without
damaging the gel coat.
Problem #2: Dry Rot
Solution: Dry rot
can be a vexing problem since it’s so difficult to get into the actual fibers
of the wood for the repairs you need. That’s why we recommend a liquid epoxy
solution like our Git Rot Kit. Git Rot
will work through the fibers of the wood through capillary action and do much
of the work for you. Make sure to
read the instructions thoroughly before applying and to only mix the solution
together when you’re ready to apply. There’s only a half hour “pot life” once
the solution is properly mixed.
Problem #3: Emergency
Leaks or Dings
Solution: When
you have an emergency leak that needs addressing right away, that means you
need a unique product. The product should be resistant to teak oils, gasoline,
and diesel fuel. You should be able to use it below the water line. And once it
cures, it should still create a waterproof seal that will keep your boat
running smoothly. We recommend keeping a Life-Calk
Sealant Tube handy for just such an emergency. This product bonds to
fiberglass, wood, metal, glass—and even itself.
Problem #4: A Ding in
the Gel Coat
Solution: The key
here is knowing the steps. Sand down the gouges and clear them of debris, clean
the area with acetone, tape off the relevant area and create a gel paste. Using
a proper scraper, level off the application of the gel paste. Some repair
experts recommend using a Poly Vinyl Alcohol spray to get the gel coat to
harden. Let that happen after 24 hours, remove the tape, wipe it off with water
to remove the PVA, and use a power sander to smooth the entire area.
Problem #5: General
Hull Dings
Solution: We
can’t tell you what to do in every DIY boat repair situation, but we can point
you in the right direction. Use our Fix Repair Putty
to address a wide variety of boat repair needs. Once it cures, it can be
drilled, sanded, and even painted. This can give you the high-quality hull you
need to fully enjoy your boating experience.
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