Gel Coat Repair 101 - Part 1

Follow along and learn how to repair common types of damage to the gel coat layer on the hull of your dinghy.

Gel coat is a thin protective layer that is applied on top of the fiberglass core of the hull. You can think of it this way: if the hull is the chocolate inside of an M&M, gel coat is the candy-colored shell. Keeping the gel coat layer intact is very important to the long-term health of any sailboat. If water is allowed to creep into the fiberglass core, it can soften the material and rapidly reduce the structural integrity of the boat.

We, of course, understand that all sorts of things can happen to a dinghy throughout a typical day of sailing. Dropping the transom onto the pavement is pretty much guaranteed to happen. It’s OK! It just means that learning how to repair gel coat can prove to be an essential skill and key to maximizing the lifespan of your boat.

NOTE: Always make sure you are accompanied by someone experienced in working with marine chemicals and power tools before attempting any of these projects.

‣‣‣ ABOUT HARKEN BLOCKHEADS

[jimthompson]

Compared to other gel coat repair videos, excellent safety awareness . You've obviously done this a few thousand times. Well done

[danielrichardsfishing]

Boat stuff, welding, and guns! Love the playlist. My kind of channel. Here to show my support brother! Trippin the bell on the way out! 👊😉

[michielderuyter]

Is it an idea to put on some stainless steel triangle on that spot of every boat

[Mitchroper]

Really nice, thanks. Stupid question but where did you get that nice spreader/applicator? Looks stiffer than typical glue spreaders.

[russellcole]

There appears to be damage down into to the fiberglass on the middle of the transom where the boat had dragged on the ground. Therefore there should have been some reinforcement of that area before the gelcoat was applied. Fiberglass or high density filler applied with epoxy would be good. The secondary bonding characteristics of polyester resin (which is what gelcoat is) is not good compared to epoxy. That, and the lack of new structure is why this repair is really just a coating of resin with white pigment. Gelcoat is not structural, and is not a substitute for solid substrate. Lipstick on a pig, I'm afraid.

[donspider]

What's the amount of hours you spend fixing it?

[MrBedor]

hmmmm...my option now .To Gel coat 50 ml( normal gel + 10 % WAX SOLUTION ) add aerosil 200 ( 3-5 big spon ) and catalist butanox 8-10% and ready . Good luck

[danaldrich]

Where do you get those disposable scrapers?

[UCANTRY]

The all staff u must keep on cart not on the boat, for me it’s show how big specialist u r

[stephenmawer]

You definitely don't have much experience in gel coat repairs bro😂