Repairing Scrathes in Gelcoat

Probably won't help you but for what it's worth...

I had a deep scratch (more a gouge really) that went through the gelcoat into the glass underneath running almost the entire length of the hull (don't ask... ) I mulled that one over for ages until it finally hit me that I had insurance for such things.

Got one complete side professionally faired and resprayed for a couple hundred bucks excess. Happy days.

Now wondering if someone can accidentally gouge the other side for me

Hey otherguy, I did think about that, but i just made a claim for a furling headsail that shredded it self in a storm we had a few months back, so i was a bit nervous about what they would say, and how much my premiums will go up!!

Cheers

They can't say much nate, especially if it's pretty clear that it was an accident and not poor maintenance or intentional or just plain aging, wear and tear. I guess at worst they could say "no".

As for your premiums - it depends. My insurance is with NRMA in NSW, as are my cars and house ... so I get a reasonable deal. Have just renewed the boat insurance and the premium went up a whole $3 over last year (no, that isn't a typo).

To get rid of deep scraches you will need to sand the scratches and feather the edges out. Then apply some flow coat (gel coat with wax in it) or you can get gel coat repair kits, mix it and then paint it into the scrathes slightly patruding then sand them down and wet and dry then polish. It will depend on the age and condition of the gel coat if you can match the colour, if it doesnt match you will need to sprey the whole boat.

Good luck I hope this helps

Cheers lads, good ideas, will put them to the test on the weekend!