Bottom Repair and Paint

Gunwhale Repair and Gelcoat

It’s a Science and an Art!

Aside from the knowledge and skill required to use the virtually endless variations of boat repair supplies constantly being produced and marketed; producing a high quality repair requires an artistic mindset. Performing a high quality repair is like rebuilding a sculpture. The damage must be removed and the structure rebuilt to its exact original size and shape. Performing a high quality repair is a multi-stage process. Each stage involves the use of specialized materials and skillsets. The repair process varies for different types of repairs on different parts of the boat.

Initially, the damage must be completely removed and rebuilt with resin that adheres and fiberglass that is strong enough to support the stress exerted on the part of the boat being repaired. Next, the repair area is shaped using lightweight easily sandable fairing compounds to recreate the original contour of the boat. After the original contour is reproduced, protective coatings are applied to protect the repair compounds from moisture intrusion. Fiberglass isn’t water proof. It must be completely sealed to prevent moisture absorption.

To see more about the fiberglass repair click here

There’s a virtually endless supply of primers, paints, and protective coatings that are constantly being developed and marketed. All paints don’t adhere well to all resins. Specific resins, additives, and repair products are necessary to produce repairs for overcoating with specific paints and protective coatings. Generally, a fiberglass repair is coated with either gelcoat or a primer and paint system.

To see more about gelcoat application click here

To see more about paint application click here

Types of Boat Repairs Performed:

Topside repairs, bottom repairs, bilge repairs, engine mount repairs, stringer repairs, transom repairs, gunwale repairs, anchor mount repairs, hardware mount repairs, deck repairs, door repairs, cockpit repairs, hatch repairs, and more!

 Boat Building Materials Used:

Polyester resin, vinyl ester resin, epoxy resin, foam core, coosa core, wood core, balsa core, kevlar core, mat fiberglass, woven fiberglass, mat backed woven fiberglass, custom mixed repair compounds, premixed repair compounds, fairing compounds, and more!

Coating Systems Used:

Gelcoat, gelcoat additives, urethane primers, epoxy primers, urethane paints, acrylic urethane paints, epoxy paints, polyester paints, bottom paints, topside paints, Awlgrip, Awlcraft, Interlux Brightside, Interlux Perfection, Imron, barrier coats, varnishes, and more!