Patch

How can I patch a small crack in the bottom of a fiberglass boat?

I have this little two-man fiberglass fishing boat that has a few cracks in the bottom and a worrisome amount of water comes through the floor because of it. All the repair instructions I've read include cutting a hole out of my boat to patch it. Is there any other way to patch the cracks? Can I use surfboard apoxy or fiberglass?

Public Comments

1. You'd have to rough it up with sandpaper or a sander to use automotive grade fiberglass kits, some have clothe backing for the epoxy, or you can buy it seperately.
2. If you could picture fiberglass as sheets of wax paper, warmed and stuck together, you can figure out the repair. If you have a crack, you must sand or grind around it until you find well bonded material. Once that is done, purchase a fiberglass repair kit ( can be found at most auto parts stores or hardware stores) Cut dry fiberglass material to fit in layers over and in repair (picture placing smaller pieces in a bowl and filling to level, then one final to smooth out) Then remove, keep in order, mix resin or epoxy per instructions, dip the fiberglass in the resin making sure to saturate, and set in place. As you soak the fiberglass cloth and install, be sure you remove all bubbles before placing the next layer. You do not want too much liquid, as the resin does not add strength It should only take 3-4 layers to fill. Once done, allow to harden and sand smooth. Remember, fiberglass by itself is not waterproof, so either paint or apply gelcoat over the repair to make it permanent.
3. go to your marine supplier and get west system and follow the directions . They should know what you need
4. Just mix up some "Marine Tex" epoxy and fill the cracks in fast, it cures in about 15 minutes, hard in two hours, rock hard in 12 hours, they sell a small repair kit of it at the marine store, keep it on board, the stuff even cures UNDER WATER !