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Author Topic:   Gunwale Repair

jwestwood posted 07-31-2013 11:22 AM ET (US)
The gunwales of our 1974 Outrage 21 have numerous holes previously used for various attachments. I am considering covering the gunwale with some type of wood, then through-bolt mount needed hardware, and am looking for advice on this project--but not interested in coaming boards, just gunwale caps. I have seen them on other boats and find them quite attractive, as they seem an easier fix than glass repair. Thanks in advance for your input.
jimh posted 08-01-2013 08:42 AM ET (US)
Do the present gunwales have a non-skid pattern that is raised slightly above the deck level?
jwestwood posted 08-01-2013 12:25 PM ET (US)
Thanks for responding. No non-skid texture in the gelcoat. Smooth surface. However there are coaming-like radiused lips, if you will, on both sides of the gunwale to channel water from the forward deck.
jimh posted 08-01-2013 08:45 PM ET (US)
If there is no non-skid surface, the capping of the present gunwale with a wood board will be easier. The first thing I would do if undertaking this project: call Boston Whaler customer service and chat with Chuck Bennett.
jwestwood posted 08-02-2013 08:31 AM ET (US)
Will do. Thanks for the help.
Buckda posted 08-02-2013 10:41 AM ET (US)
On the '70's Outrage - there is no backing plate and no non-skid on the gunwales, as they are part of the entire side of the boat down to the waterline. This is made of fiberglass with gelcoat on the outside. That's it. Much like the sides of many of the consoles. It's a rather thick glass layup.
The challenge is that a simple resin plug might pop - or show pop cracks in a new gelcoat patch above it. I recommend a glass patch from underneath with the resin plug above ...so that the plug has something backing it to "stick" to when the hull flexes in seas, etc. Then gelcoat over the top as normal...then add the wood gunwale cap - i'd also use a wood or aluminum backing plate underneath for rigidity and support.
jwestwood posted 08-02-2013 10:54 AM ET (US)
Thanks for your thoughts. Some of the current attachments have back plates. I would definitely install a backer under entire area. Not sure I would need to repair larger holes, and would use M-Tex for smaller screw holes. All attachments would be thru-bolted with lock nuts.

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Author	Topic: Gunwale Repair
jwestwood	posted 07-31-2013 11:22 AM ET (US) The gunwales of our 1974 Outrage 21 have numerous holes previously used for various attachments. I am considering covering the gunwale with some type of wood, then through-bolt mount needed hardware, and am looking for advice on this project--but not interested in coaming boards, just gunwale caps. I have seen them on other boats and find them quite attractive, as they seem an easier fix than glass repair. Thanks in advance for your input.
jimh	posted 08-01-2013 08:42 AM ET (US) Do the present gunwales have a non-skid pattern that is raised slightly above the deck level?
jwestwood	posted 08-01-2013 12:25 PM ET (US) Thanks for responding. No non-skid texture in the gelcoat. Smooth surface. However there are coaming-like radiused lips, if you will, on both sides of the gunwale to channel water from the forward deck.
jimh	posted 08-01-2013 08:45 PM ET (US) If there is no non-skid surface, the capping of the present gunwale with a wood board will be easier. The first thing I would do if undertaking this project: call Boston Whaler customer service and chat with Chuck Bennett.
jwestwood	posted 08-02-2013 08:31 AM ET (US) Will do. Thanks for the help.
Buckda	posted 08-02-2013 10:41 AM ET (US) On the '70's Outrage - there is no backing plate and no non-skid on the gunwales, as they are part of the entire side of the boat down to the waterline. This is made of fiberglass with gelcoat on the outside. That's it. Much like the sides of many of the consoles. It's a rather thick glass layup. The challenge is that a simple resin plug might pop - or show pop cracks in a new gelcoat patch above it. I recommend a glass patch from underneath with the resin plug above ...so that the plug has something backing it to "stick" to when the hull flexes in seas, etc. Then gelcoat over the top as normal...then add the wood gunwale cap - i'd also use a wood or aluminum backing plate underneath for rigidity and support.
jwestwood	posted 08-02-2013 10:54 AM ET (US) Thanks for your thoughts. Some of the current attachments have back plates. I would definitely install a backer under entire area. Not sure I would need to repair larger holes, and would use M-Tex for smaller screw holes. All attachments would be thru-bolted with lock nuts.