posted 11-20-2014 11:16 PM ET (US)        

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[An unidentified boat] had a small crack below the waterline and it was ground back, epoxied, and then bottom paint was applied. No gel coat was applied, which I understand is the norm for below the water line repairs--I think. Not sure about epoxy primer.

Will that be a sound repair for good? Or, will this repair allow water into the foam of the boat?

Should this repair have been approached differently? The crack was only a gel coat crack (not into the glass below) and was about 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches long.

Thanks!

posted 11-20-2014 11:29 PM ET (US)            

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For repairs below the water line I prefer epoxy as the repair adhesive for several reasons:

--epoxy is stronger

--epoxy is waterproof

--epoxy is easier to apply and get a good cure

The cosmetic appearance may not be as good as with color-matched gel coat, but, if the boat has anti-fouling paint, no one will ever see the cosmetic appearance of the epoxy repair.

posted 11-21-2014 12:42 AM ET (US)            

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Thanks for responding JimH.

I wasn't sure whether epoxy was waterproof long term, and was worried about eventual water intrusion. I agree regarding the cosmetic appearance, since it will never being seen. This puts my mind at ease.