I recently bought a 1989 Montauk 17 with big scars on the keel.
Is repair a do-it-yourself project?
Or, should I take the boat to a professional for repair?
I hope no water has seeped in over the years. Other [than the damage to the keel the boat] is looking great. Thanks for all the advice on here.
Green Laminate Exposed on Keel
Re: Green Laminate Exposed on Keel
This is referred to as keel rash.
It can be repaired as a DIY. I have made the repair on a Montauk 17 and an Outrage 17.
One all-in-one product is Marine Tex.
https://shop.hamiltonmarine.com/products/marine-tex-jr-kit-white-2-ounce-kit-32267.html
Mix the product, apply using both a wide and narrow plastic putty knife following the existing contours. When finished, apply plastic film (i.e. Saran Wrap) to get a smooth finish.
It can be repaired as a DIY. I have made the repair on a Montauk 17 and an Outrage 17.
One all-in-one product is Marine Tex.
https://shop.hamiltonmarine.com/products/marine-tex-jr-kit-white-2-ounce-kit-32267.html
Mix the product, apply using both a wide and narrow plastic putty knife following the existing contours. When finished, apply plastic film (i.e. Saran Wrap) to get a smooth finish.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
Re: Green Laminate Exposed on Keel AH!
Phil thanks! Ordering now.
Re: Green Laminate Exposed on Keel
I have had great success with WEST System epoxy repair kits, particularly for repairs below the waterline. WEST System epoxy repair kits are more versatile and can perform many more useful repairs than a pre-mixed putty.
https://www.westsystem.com/fiberglass-boat-repair-kit/
See a demonstration at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eggAzL9oQxg
https://www.westsystem.com/fiberglass-boat-repair-kit/
See a demonstration at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eggAzL9oQxg
Re: Green Laminate Exposed on Keel
Your Boston Whaler hull has many deep scratches, probably caused in loading the boat on the trailer improperly. You should repair the trailer so it will no longer damage the hull during loading or travel on the highway. If you don't fix whatever has been gouging those deep scratches before you begin to repair the scratches, the hull will soon be deeply scratched anew.
The hull also appears to be discolored from immersion in water and appears to have no barrier coat. You need to thoroughly clean the hull before beginning repairs to the laminate and gel coat. If you begin sanding dirty gel coat you just infuse dirt into the repair area.
I would not trust repairs made with a pre-mixed putty and catalyzed resin to be sufficiently well-adhered and waterproof for work below the water line as will be needed in this case.
You may find my lengthy and detailed narrative of repairs with epoxy and gel coat resins to be informative. See
THE EPOXY CURE
http://continuouswave.com/maintenance-logs/epoxy/
If you plan to leave the boat in the water for more than a few days at a time, read the owner's manual for advice on how to protect the hull. See
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... nance.html
It is very likely that as soon as you begin to grind out the damage that needs to be repaired, the repair area will grow in size and become too large to be effectively repaired with just a small amount of a pre-mixed putty compound. Thick application of a putty without laminates and thinner resins will make a weak and brittle repair.
I also recommend you read this article:
REPAIRING HULL DAMAGE THE WHALER WAY
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... epair.html
For advice on hul repairs from Boston Whaler, read this article
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... tions.html
You will note that in none of these articles are repairs made with a pre-mixed putty catalyzed with a small amount of additive to create curing.
The hull also appears to be discolored from immersion in water and appears to have no barrier coat. You need to thoroughly clean the hull before beginning repairs to the laminate and gel coat. If you begin sanding dirty gel coat you just infuse dirt into the repair area.
I would not trust repairs made with a pre-mixed putty and catalyzed resin to be sufficiently well-adhered and waterproof for work below the water line as will be needed in this case.
You may find my lengthy and detailed narrative of repairs with epoxy and gel coat resins to be informative. See
THE EPOXY CURE
http://continuouswave.com/maintenance-logs/epoxy/
If you plan to leave the boat in the water for more than a few days at a time, read the owner's manual for advice on how to protect the hull. See
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... nance.html
It is very likely that as soon as you begin to grind out the damage that needs to be repaired, the repair area will grow in size and become too large to be effectively repaired with just a small amount of a pre-mixed putty compound. Thick application of a putty without laminates and thinner resins will make a weak and brittle repair.
I also recommend you read this article:
REPAIRING HULL DAMAGE THE WHALER WAY
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... epair.html
For advice on hul repairs from Boston Whaler, read this article
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... tions.html
You will note that in none of these articles are repairs made with a pre-mixed putty catalyzed with a small amount of additive to create curing.
Re: Green Laminate Exposed on Keel
Jim,
Thank you so much for all the advice. After reading through this and not having a good way to get it Do nedo it properly I took it to a Boston whaler specialist. I will send pictures when it’s done you guys are admirable
Thank you so much for all the advice. After reading through this and not having a good way to get it Do nedo it properly I took it to a Boston whaler specialist. I will send pictures when it’s done you guys are admirable
Re: Green Laminate Exposed on Keel
I don't think repair is beyond the scope of your talent, assuming you are reasonably handy. Because all the damage is below the water line, you will only see it when the boat is on the trailer. The repairs do not have to be cosmetically perfect, and you don't need to have color matched gel coat.
Re: Green Laminate Exposed on Keel
Got her back- here is how it looks now!
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- IMG_9764.jpg (55.76 KiB) Viewed 6633 times
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- IMG_9763.jpg (51.58 KiB) Viewed 6633 times
Re: Green Laminate Exposed on Keel
Need a close up of your work. !! :-)
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
Re: Green Laminate Exposed on Keel
Wow! That was a quick turnaround. Congrats!