Eight Questions on Basic Fiberglass Repairs
Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2022 8:01 pm
Q1: are repairs necessary for hairline cracks in the cockpit gel coat of an older Boston Whaler boat?
Q2: can hairline cracks in the cockpit gel coat of an older Boston Whaler be remedied by just waxing over them?
Q3: can a repair to a hairline crack be made by over it painting?
Q4: what type or brand or formulation of paint should be used to repair a hairline crack by painting over it?
Q5: before the interior of an older Boston Whaler boat is to be resurfaced with either gel coat resin or with paint, should the surface be prepared by sanding?
Q6: before the interior of an older Boston Whaler boat is to be resurfaced with either gel coat resin or with paint, should the surface be prepared by a chemical primer?
Q7: where are the wires located for the combined sidelight navigation lamp?
Q8: after the keel of an older Boston Whaler boat has been repaired with fiberglass, what paint should be used to cover the repair that will provide the best protection and best match to the original color of the hull?
BACKSTORY.
I am new to this forum.
I have a 1980's 12-foot Boston Whaler boat with serial number BWC KO730 L586.
I do not know the exact model or the year.
I contacted Boston Whaler by email. Boston Whaler did not offer me any information.
This boat was neglected for may years and sat uncovered in western Montana in its hot summers and cold winters.
I am in the process of repairing and replacing some of the wood.
I am not out to create a museum piece. I want to create a decent looking boat for some seasonal angling.
The two top questions and advice I am seeking are:
1. [See the eight questions above]
2. [See the eight questions above]
When I re-wire the electrical circuits I will need one or two switches.
Q2: can hairline cracks in the cockpit gel coat of an older Boston Whaler be remedied by just waxing over them?
Q3: can a repair to a hairline crack be made by over it painting?
Q4: what type or brand or formulation of paint should be used to repair a hairline crack by painting over it?
Q5: before the interior of an older Boston Whaler boat is to be resurfaced with either gel coat resin or with paint, should the surface be prepared by sanding?
Q6: before the interior of an older Boston Whaler boat is to be resurfaced with either gel coat resin or with paint, should the surface be prepared by a chemical primer?
Q7: where are the wires located for the combined sidelight navigation lamp?
Q8: after the keel of an older Boston Whaler boat has been repaired with fiberglass, what paint should be used to cover the repair that will provide the best protection and best match to the original color of the hull?
BACKSTORY.
I am new to this forum.
I have a 1980's 12-foot Boston Whaler boat with serial number BWC KO730 L586.
I do not know the exact model or the year.
I contacted Boston Whaler by email. Boston Whaler did not offer me any information.
This boat was neglected for may years and sat uncovered in western Montana in its hot summers and cold winters.
I am in the process of repairing and replacing some of the wood.
I am not out to create a museum piece. I want to create a decent looking boat for some seasonal angling.
The two top questions and advice I am seeking are:
1. [See the eight questions above]
2. [See the eight questions above]
When I re-wire the electrical circuits I will need one or two switches.