How to repair Fiberglass and Gelcoat damage. PRO TIPS in FULL DETAIL!

I knocked a Chunk out of the bottom of my Boat! That's ok, I'm going to show You how to fix it. Gelcoat and Fiberglass repair can seem intimidating if you have never done it before. Today I am showing you how to do a commercial grade Gelcoat repair in full detail. All the tools and materials you need to do this are readily available to most people, and with a little work You can do your own repairs and save a ton of time and money! As always, Thanks for watching! If You enjoyed this video, Please remember to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT.
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boat repair, gelcoat repair, fiberglass repair, gelcoat damage, fiberglass, boat building, boat maintenance, fishing boats, fishing, charter boats, paint damage on boats, fixing boat damage, DIY boat repair, DIY gelcoat repair

[@sadasatsimrankhalsa8483]

thank you for doing this. this is the most comprehensive, complete and informative video for a first timer I've found.

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow, thank you very much for your comment! Glad to help!

[@frankschannel2642]

I thoroughly, thoroughly, thoroughly, thoroughly, really, really, really, enjoyed this, y'all!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frankschannel2642]

@@FishBumpTV I did! Learning a lot from your channel. You are a master, no question.

[@FishBumpTV]

@@frankschannel2642 Thanks so much, I appreciate you watching!

[@TEXASHANDYMANSVCS]

Yes! A full video on wet sanding to factory finish, please 🙂

[@FishBumpTV]

Great! We have a 2 part gelcoat repair video that we made after this one here on the channel. Part 2 goes into full detail on the wet sanding and polish part of gelcoat repair. We also have added a gelcoat repair A to Z masterclass video that I am sure will be helpful. Thanks for watching and best of luck with your project!

[@marcellmcgee763]

Best video I've found. Thank YOU!

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow, thanks! Glad it was helpful! We have several more updated gelcoat videos here on the channel that you might also find interesting.

[@russellesimonetta9071]

I use acetone to clean my one hitters and bongs! Cleans them like new! I rinse and wash them hot water and soap!

[@FishBumpTV]

I agree, a clean surface is Very important. At about the 7 and a half minute mark in the video, we talk about that a bit. As long as the repair area is clean and dry you are going to be good. Appreciate you watching!

[@tommydesha6951]

great instructions ... very thorough

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@allenkleyn]

Thank you, Mr. Youall..... Helpful video

[@markrowe2227]

Very detailed and informative “How to” video. I know there are many boat owners that will benefit from your knowledge and expertise. Love your channel!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you Mister Mark! Glad you enjoyed the how to vid. I know its not something your going to tackle everyday, but I hope it is helpful to somebody! Thanks for the positive feedback! Appreciate ya!

[@80ajflores]

By far the best video on boat repairs. Keep up the good work. I'm getting ready to restore a boat soon. Videos are helpful.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks Alejandro, Glad your finding the videos helpful! Appreciate you watching. Good luck on your restoration project, and welcome to the channel!

[@RyanCJones]

Thanks for the very helpful tutorial! Would love to see the full finished wet sand approach too.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it! I will see what I can do. Appreciate you watching!

[@blakebuskens4162]

These videos bring back memories working on boats with my dad.

[@FishBumpTV]

Hey Blake! Good to hear from ya man! Glad the vids can help bring back some good memories. Loved your Dad, He was a Great Guy! Me and Mark Talk about him alot.I know how it feels to lose your Dad to soon. Both our Dads sure did love Boats! Appreciate you watching, and welcome to the channel!

[@redac7]

Great detailed information, I learned a lot from this, Thanks!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! glad it was helpful, and welcome to the channel!

[@clarkleininger6560]

I completely enjoyed the "Industrial Gelcoat Finish" aspect of the video. I have a 45 year old boat with some dings and wear on the keel which I have filled with thickened epoxy but have never finished it with gelcoat because I am not trying for a professional finish. All the other videos spend way too much time finishing it off to a perfection. Your method was what I needed. Thanks.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Just remember some gelcoats and epoxy don't work well together. I will be doing a video on that very soon.

[@t-yoonit]

First time boat owner here. Picked up a 98 22' four winns bowrider. Its been passed around the family and I now own it. One of the guide bunk rail brackets came loose and sagged and the lower tube section dug into the fiberglass on the bottom at the stern. This was probably the most viable process I've found so far and likely the process I will be using to repair the damage. Its not a pretty boat anymore, but I do want to play around with polishing the whole rig and see how nice I can get it looking. That filler putty is a must for what I'm doing.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you found the video to be helpful! I have 2 more gel coat repair videos on the channel that you might also find interesting. Good luck with your project, and thanks for watching!

[@joelaszlo4725]

great job,i learned a lot.I am getting ready to do the same repair work on my key west skiff.Thanks for all the detailed info sir.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it helped! Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@cmbubner]

Love the video here in Australia. Thanks for an informative session.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you, Sir! Glad you found the video to be informative. I would love to visit your country someday. Always been a fan of the Australian attitude and spirit. Looks like lots of outstanding Boating and fishing opportunities there as well. I also have an ongoing video series of a 29-foot custom charter boat that we are building from scratch that you might find interesting. If you have any questions regarding boat repair feel free to ask. Thanks for watching, and welcome to the channel!

[@chriswagoner5406]

Thanks for making these. I cant tell you how much this helps.me and I appreciate it.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you like them! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@tommyphillips7335]

Good job on the repair really enjoyed the video. Keep up the good work

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank You Sir! Got a New Video coming soon. Appreciate the comment!

[@lleberly]

Great video! Will be trying this in the near future!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, Hope its helpful! Appreciate you watching!

[@user-zb1pj9ov3b]

Thanks for another great video, just the information I needed for my dinged up older bass boat. Please keep up with the great work you're doing 👍

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help, best of luck with your project!

[@patrickaldrich1140]

I think the air die grinder/sander sound should be your theme music 😂. Great vid

[@FishBumpTV]

I will take that into consideration! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@matthewbrannon1502]

Great job! Very impressed with your camera work.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you very much!

[@danandersen9404]

Thanks, this helped me repair a fiberglass gash on my Maxum.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it helped, and thanks for watching!

[@thongyiewkhong8542]

Great job done, captain

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you!

[@madronagroceryoutlet4426]

Great show!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, appreciate you watching!

[@matt65327]

Thanks for sharing this!!

[@FishBumpTV]

You are welcome, hope it was helpful! We have a 2 part gel coat repair on the channel that you might also be interested in. Thanks for watching!

[@sayhello2pedro]

Thank you for teaching us folks the ins and outs of fiberglass, you have done an amazing job. Would love to see the wet sanding procedure and maybe a mold fiberglass on a future video if you haven't already.

[@FishBumpTV]

Great suggestion! We have several newer gelcoat videos here on the channel that show the wet sanding and polish process. Hope you enjoy!

[@ericneering6357]

Beautiful job thanks for teaching us

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I really appreciate it!

[@kingfish3066]

Thanks I'm getting ready to do the same thing, great video, especially one handed

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you found it helpful, had no idea this video would be so popular. I did 2 more gel coat vids with better camera work and much more detail, you may find them helpful as well. Good luck with your project!

[@AS-pq3hu]

Very nice and detailed

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you like it, Appreciate you watching!

[@ryantait177]

Great job

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dondawson7409]

Hi from Brisbane, Australia. I have just found your channel and wow it’s great. It’s a shame you are not here. I know your suppliers are mostly US. I think for most of the world where we use metrics if you could also give metric measurements, conversion to American imperial is not easy as its is different from our predecessors of the British imperial systems

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your thoughts

[@fredhasche8385]

I'm very impressed thank you

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful! I have 2 more gelcoat repair videos on the channel using some different materials that you might find interesting. Good luck with your repair, and welcome to the channel.

[@johnpaulrine62]

Thanks boss, i have 4 or 5 little chunks on the bottom of my skeeter that look about the same as the repair you just done on your boat, looks like im going to be repairing them myself next weekend

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad I could help, Good luck with your project. Appreciate you watching!

[@lcagee]

Great video. Thank you!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you liked it! There are two other gel coat repair videos on the channel that you might also find helpful.

[@toddkolbe6379]

Great video and I am impressed that you respond to every comment! So many tubers get comments and questions and never respond! Drives me nuts!!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! It does take a surprising amount of time to respond to everyone, but I try. Really appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@xxxnonamexxx5615]

Captain Joe I've been getting ready for crappy season up here and doing the very same thing on my boat. Fantastic stuff!

[@FishBumpTV]

That's great! Our fishing season is also getting very close. Glad the videos are helpful, and best of luck with your projects.

[@ericneering6357]

The great there’s a great video who is what I need to know. I hit some rocks last year and put some holes in the bottom of my boat. I put some 5220 on them, but I actually need to fix.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you are enjoying the videos! Best of luck with your repair project!

[@michellemiller7015]

Thank you for this video it was very helpful

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you found it helpful! appreciate you watching, and welcome to the channel!

[@zman8340]

Fantastic vid

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@nikthefix8918]

Great channel! Natural presenter too. I don't have a boat or a fishing rod but I do have some problem window frames in my house. Got fed up with stripping, filling and painting them every year so I glassed and gel coated them using your directions. Worked a treat!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks so much! Glad to help!

[@MrCecil_KD9WUS]

Looks great

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! We have several much more detailed gelcoat repair videos on the channel. You might find them very helpful. I appreciate you watching!

[@rogerfl2007]

Great video. thanks

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, Glad you liked it! Appreciate you watching.

[@GraflexGuy]

+1 for wet sand approach video

[@FishBumpTV]

I will be working on that, thanks for watching!

[@lilliandupre782]

Im glad your doing this task one handed. Because i have task to do but my right wrist is in a cast.

[@FishBumpTV]

Well, two hands are better, but it is nice to know it can be done with one! Good luck with your project!

[@user-qc3rc6qq9z]

Awesome video. I have a 1977 Stamas I'm refurbishing.

[@FishBumpTV]

Very nice! Glad to help!

[@gerlandkent6377]

thank you for you're video

[@FishBumpTV]

You are welcome!

[@bob_frazier]

Yes, I would enjoy seeing some cosmetic gel coat finish work.

[@FishBumpTV]

I will see what I can do. Thanks for watching!

[@dannyboy8706]

Great video !!! You did a excellent job explaining the repair. Is there a gel coat repair kit that you would recommend that has every thing you need to do the repair?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, Glad it was helpful! I have 2 more gel coat repair videos on the channel that are done in a different method that you might also find interesting. I wish I had a kit that I could recommend, but I don't. Maybe I could do some research on kits, and review which one is best. Really appreciate you watching, and good luck with Your repair!

[@hervecorre9669]

Chapeau monsieur bravo

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks so much!

[@claridge50]

Thanks ill be attemmy first repairs soon

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@spearfish25]

Great video! Could you please consider doing a show room finish video to show the wet sanding and polishing?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, there are two more gelcoat repair videos on the channel. One of them describes filling in the damaged area, the other is wet sanding, polishing and waxing in full detail. I think you will find them helpful. Appreciate You watching!

[@spearfish25]

@@FishBumpTV Just found that yesterday. Thanks and appreciate your work!

[@audengrumet3985]

YES! Would love to see the wet sanding and waxing and the process of making it glossy! Isn’t the gloss needed for best protection and waterproofing? Thanks

[@FishBumpTV]

Ok, great. I am working on a new gelcoat repair video that details the finishing process. Hope to have it out soon. If your gelcoat has a wax additive like modifier C added in it is very waterproof. It is just not as cosmetically attractive. If you wet sand, compound, and wax the gelcoats surface, you also gain a level of waterproofing and sealing. Hope that answers your question, Thanks for watching!

[@chuckque6234]

Nice!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks!

[@abelp.1281]

There is a 24ft 1974 aqua sport center console boat for 7k, I was thinking about buying. I have never owned a boat before. i did see some damage on the keel like your repair in this video and the deck has some gel coat cracking. its deff a project boat. Im a mechanic so im sure i can handle the engine and electrical side and any other mechanical issues. but the hull structure is what i am unfamiliar with. This video gave me tremendous insight. I appreciate it. not sure if you do Q&A's or calls but i know i would have some questions for you lol. Take care!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, Glad the videos where helpful!

[@danielgrace7408]

Nice!!!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks!

[@bobm2637]

Great video. Thanks. It is much appreciated. Something I wonder, though, is why you used the cheap paint brush. A better brush wouldn't shed bristles that you then needed to pick out of the gelcoat layer. It would also give you a smoother finish. Sure, a good brush costs a few dollars and I don't know if it can be cleaned after being used for gelcoat. But, even if the brush cannot be cleaned, a good brush probably costs less than $10. I looked through quite a few posts, but not all, so I apologize if this was raised previously.

[@FishBumpTV]

That's a valid question. I used the inexpensive brush on this repair because I wasn't really concerned with cosmetics on this particular repair job. The damage was on my charter boat, which gets dinged in that area pretty regularly. Was just trying to get it seaworthy for a charter the next day, and the cheap brush is what I had in the shop. I made this video for one of my charter captain buddies who had some gel coat damage on his boat and requested a basic gel coat repair video. I honestly had no idea this video would be so popular. When it did start getting a lot of views, I made a 2 part gel coat repair video that results in a back-to-factory-like finish. You might find those videos helpful and interesting. And yes, you could certainly use a more expensive brush for a better finish if that is important to you. Hope that answers your question, and thanks for watching

[@ronf.109]

Good info for a small repair that everyone can do

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes Sir, Hope its helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@brianpeterson8026]

Awesome job what the best way to get out brush marks . I scratched my brand new bass boat bad rocks .

[@csalinas-sf6jg]

Once I heard "Kenner", I hit subscribe! Hey bud, I'd like to see a full showroom finished gelcoat repair.

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes Sir, Got to love those Kenners! I will try to get more repair and boatbuilding vids coming soon. Thanks for watching, and welcome to the channel!

[@ReelifeFishing]

Great video that same thing happen to me I payed $1600 to get it fixed when I could have done it in about an hour for much cheaper. That's for sharing

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow, That's crazy! Fiberglass repair can be very expensive for sure! Glad you found the video interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@Rick-tb4so]

Excellent video's.....Safety question... What do you do with rags with chemicals on them?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the videos! I don't put any kind of chemically saturated rag or paper towels in our garbage cans. I will usually set these materials to the side until they have dried out, then I have a trash can outside of my main shop to hold them until trash day. You just want to always be on the safeside when dealing with anything that would be flammable or hazardous. Hope this helps.

[@Rick-tb4so]

@@FishBumpTV Thanks for your reply I think its good info for the general public.

[@jddavis2927]

I would love to see show room finish I have a 2023 pathfinder with lil chuck out and I want it fixed show room finish

[@FishBumpTV]

You got it! If you look on our channel for a video Titled Gel coat repair how to wet sand gel coat, part 2. I think you will find it very helpful. Thanks for watching, and good luck with your repair!

[@surasackbounmy]

Yes, make a part 2

[@FishBumpTV]

Your wish is granted! If you check out some of the newer content on 0ur channel we have 2 new gel coat repair videos in full detail. One is another method of filling the damage, and the other details the wet sanding, polishing, and waxing process. Hope you find them helpful. Appreciate you watching!

[@surasackbounmy]

@@FishBumpTV thank you very much for the sharing of your knowledge and skills 👍 😀 🙏

[@DustinBlodgett]

Great video, man. Appreciate all your work sharing and explaining it. I have a fairly large gouge on the front keel (same place as yours) of my 19ft runabout and it's just deep enough that it actually leaks. Am I safe to still use the formula 27 filler to fill in the gouge and continue as you did with gelcoat? Will your process be water tight? Thanks!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! Glad you asked before moving forward with your repair. If your boat is actually leaking due to the damage, that would be considered a structural repair. That is much more serious than the cosmetic repair that we performed on our boat. The process would NOT be the same. Structural repairs should be performed by someone with fiberglass repair experience in my opinion. Hope this answers your question. We appreciate you watching!

[@DustinBlodgett]

@@FishBumpTV thanks for the reply. I will search around for a local business who can help me with the repair. I appreciate the help!

[@larryhenderson9438]

Any suggestions for painting underneath the brackets supporting the boat if you were painting the whole hull on more of a professional level vs. what you call a commercial level?

[@FishBumpTV]

Sure, you can lift the boat off the trailer, then support it in the middle towards the bow. Then on each rear corner with either blocks, or a metal tripod that is made for supporting boats. Once you have painted the majority of the bottom, and the paint has cured, you would move the blocks, and touch up the unpainted areas. Or if the boat is small you could just turn the boat upside down. I am sure there are other ways, but these are two methods I have used in the past that have worked for me. You would obviously want to be very careful if you are going to be lifting the boat off the trailer, and be working underneath it. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment, and welcome to the channel!

[@damo690]

Thanks bro. That's a great help. Just one question for you. If I'm creating a piece from a mould do I need to use gel coat alone or gel coat with the wax as my first layer. Would gel coat alone tear when pulling the piece out of the mould as it is still tacky? What I guess I'm asking is do I use topcoat first and then gel coat or is it ok to just use gel coat alone and finish the piece with topcoat when I pull it out of the mould?

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad the video was helpful. When we are building a boat hull in a mold, you would wax the mold first. Then apply your catalyzed gelcoat without wax, let the gelcoat cure. Then laminate your fiberglass over the gelcoat. We only add wax to gelcoat when it is the last coat, on a finished surface, like on the hull repair video. I hope that answers your question, appreciate you watching the channel!

[@fishingtheforecast]

What do you recommend sanding woven roven with . It is on the gunwale of the boat very thin skin . Its an old 67 Crosby sled . I want redo floor with plywood or coosa but is that realistic to put that kind of money in this boat. It was gift from my dad so it has sentimental value. Could exterior grade plywood do an ok job with 1708 on it ? If so epoxy or fiberglass. I actually want to put the teak EVA foam or gel coat with nonskid. I'm building a deck for bass fishing.. nothing crazy just over the top of the existing deck that's been making it larger so you can store stuff like life jackets and make a pedestal for fishing . My question is for laying the glass up on the side when a glassing the floor I want to be able to send the paint off of the existing woven roven without sanding thru. Also would it make it too stiff by laying the 170 way up on the sides and making the sides a little thicker? 14:54

[@jasonsmith7809]

Evercoat website says #27 is not for below the waterline. Are they talking about filler that has no gelcoat over it? What im asking is #27 ok on the keel if you gelcoat over it? This seems to be what I need to do

[@FishBumpTV]

I have used it many times in this kind of application with no problems at all. We are using it in a fairly small area, on a boat that is not left in the water more than 12 hrs at a time. Gel coating over the formula 27 is VERY important, that is a step that cannot be skipped. The gel coat is the barrier that stops water from migrating into the repair. There are many quality fillers and fairing compounds on the market, we have two more gelcoat repair videos on the channel where we use thickened gelcoat as the filler itself. You might find that is a process you are more comfortable with. Hope that helps, and thanks for watching!

[@jasonsmith7809]

@@FishBumpTV Thanks so much! Tight Lines!

[@thedudeabides7864]

Yes! Finish project - wet sand, wax & polish

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed the video! You can find the finished gel coat repair video on our channel. It is titled gel coat repair how to part 2 wet sand, polish, and wax. Hope you find it helpful, and thanks for watching!

[@petewest5973]

Great explanation so I can gitterdun

[@nathanhale3106]

First off, Thanks for the video you're a hero. Second, Is there any way you could include links for the materials you needed for this project?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, I will see what I can do.

[@punziracing]

Great video! Question, you mentioned no wax in the first gel coat application then let it sit overnight, were there any other steps taken before applying the second coat with wax on the following day? I assume the non waxed gel coat sets up just enough to be able to apply a second coat the following day. in your opinion how much time is too much between coats?

[@FishBumpTV]

As long as the first coat has tacked off, or cured to the point that the gel coat is no longer wet you should be ok. That could be as short as an hour or as long as overnight. Depending on how much catalyst you applied, and the air temp. I personally wouldn't wait longer than overnight. I also have two more gel coat repair videos on our channel using slightly different methods that you might find helpful. Hope this answers your question. Thanks for watching!

[@JasonEllison]

Let's see that finished product video

[@FishBumpTV]

I will see what I can do. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!

[@alwaysboatin659]

Thanks for your videos. Really helped me with a big project (small for you, big for me😂). I used spectrum color patch kit. It says hardens in 6 minutes and can be sanded in an hour. It seems hard enough but I put the boat away and am going to wet sand in 2 days. There isn’t any harm in that is there?

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad the videos are helpful! That should be just fine waiting a couple days to sand the gel. Good luck with your project, and thanks for watching!

[@hubertanderson7044]

Would love to,see a gel coat redo

[@FishBumpTV]

We are are working on that for you guys, thanks for the suggestion!

[@hubertanderson7044]

Your videos is really going to help a lot of people I got on Amazon this morning and the stuff I need to fix my boat with is around 4 hundred but like you said it’s a 100 a hour so will be saving money and have stuff for later fix if needed I’m so glad I found your channel

[@yetivanmarshall1473]

After all the final sanding what do you clean the area with before painting? Nice job TY

[@FishBumpTV]

If you have access to compressed air, you should blow off any dust on the surface first. If not you can wipe the dust off with a clean, dry, lint free cloth. Then a light wipe down with acetone is what I would recommend. Thanks for watching!

[@ReelaxedOutdoors]

Awesome video! I have one question though, is a primer not required before putting the gel coat on?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! I have 2 more gel coat repair vids on the channel that you might also find helpful. We use a different technique, and the camera work is much better. No primer is required with the gel coat, you go straight over the filler or fiberglass. Appreciate you watching!

[@wf-qi4ev]

If I am doing a similar gel coat job with two layers of non wax and finishing the following day with a finish coat(wax) should it be sanded between the separate gel coats? I know the non wax/laminating says it doesn't need to be sanded between coats but just didnt know if it should be sanded before the waxed gel coat. Thanks!

[@FishBumpTV]

No, it is not necessary to sand unwaxed gelcoat between coats. Hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@davidmallory690]

I am a new boat owner and this helped me out tremendously. But where can we get these products in smaller amounts?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for watching, glad it was helpful! That is one of the things we are working on. We are linking the products we use, but a lot of it comes in larger containers. We also have 2 other gel coat repair videos on the channel that you might find interesting. Stay tuned for more gel coat-related content. Thanks again!

[@randysimpson2562]

If you don't have enough filler in your first fill do you sand between adding more filler or will it adhere to the last coat?

[@FishBumpTV]

If your using a polyester or vinylester based filler like the evercoat I used in the video you do not typically have to sand between coats, unless you just want to knock down some of the high spots for a smoother fill. With epoxy based fillers you would want to wipe down with a solvent first, then sand before additional coats because most epoxy resins produce what's called an amine blush that can negatively affect the bond. I would not recommend using epoxy based fillers under Gelcoat, as it can have secondary bonding issues. Hope that answers your question. Thanks for watching!

[@randysimpson2562]

I appreciate your quick response, yes I used the formula 27 you recommended so I just added more over the fill. Great video and information! Thanks for your time.

[@kevinjamescerce]

U have any tips for color matching? Darker colors NEVER match perfect. But it’s like u can’t tell till it’s cured, sanded and buffed

[@FishBumpTV]

You are right, dark colors are harder to match. If possible I always try to get factory match gelcoat from the manufacturer, or from Spectrum gelcoats. That way you are going to start of very close to a true match. I will find a very small ding or chip in another area with the same color and repair it. Then based on how it looks after it has cured you can tint the gel for the main area to be repaired accordingly. You can also try feathering out the repaired area, and add a clear additive in the last coat of gel to help it blend. Duratec makes a very good high gloss clear additive that I have used with success in the past. Hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@kevinjamescerce]

Yeah I just did a repair on a 2021 Grady. Color was seaport blue which I did get from spectrum. There was 7 spots and even after applying the gel i thought the color was pretty good. After sanding and buffing I wasn’t overly impressed. I have heard what u said about clear gloss additive but I have yet to try it. I work for a marina so spending enough time on each job to seek perfection is impossible. I have had great luck with Grady tan it usually matches good

[@ricardoaleman4764]

What do you do if the first coat isn’t hard but tacky?.. can I just put another coat on with more mekp on top or scrape it off and start over?

[@FishBumpTV]

Gel coat will remain tacky unless you add a wax solution or a film like pva or wax paper over the last coat. I believe I mention that later in the video. I also have 2 more gel repair videos on the channel that detail that. Hope that helps, good luck with your project.

[@Garyinhou]

For others watching.. he mentions the additive at 5:20

[@treyt6765]

Is there a reason you chose to brush it on vs roll ?

[@FishBumpTV]

This was just a commercial grade repair on our charter boat. It Needed to be tough, and thick on the gelcoat. You can usually put a little more on with a brush. Hope this answers your question, thanks for watching !

[@treyt6765]

@@FishBumpTV I appreciate it.

[@brisketwizard8004]

Why not go with 2-3 coats of gelcoat with wax after applying the filler? Why no wax on the first application? New subscriber in SouthEast Texas here, enjoy your videos.

[@FishBumpTV]

If you have wax in the first coat of gel it can cause the following coats to not bond properly. If you do add wax to the first coat, be sure to sand and clean it very well before adding additional coats. I plan on making more gelcoat videos soon, and will be discussing the wax, no wax question in more detail. Hope this answers your question, and welcome to the channel!

[@brisketwizard8004]

Thanks for the info. I have a 2009 Tidewater 2100 Bay Max. The gelcoat is chipped off of the very bottom of the keel. About 2 ft long & about 1.25 inches wide. Just want to repair it correctly the first time. Thanks again. @@FishBumpTV

[@TEXASHANDYMANSVCS]

What did you add to the Evercoat Formula 27?

[@FishBumpTV]

You have to add a catalyst or hardener to activate the formula 27. It is the same style hardener you would add to most polyester and vinyl Ester resin based fillers. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@TEXASHANDYMANSVCS]

Thank you for the quick reply. I was able to find the Evercoat Formula 27 and the Evercoat cream hardner on Amazon as a complete package/kit. And already ordered the gel coat kit also. Thanks a million. Love ur videos. The BEST! 👍

[@user-lm1dl3xf1i]

After your 1St and 2nd coat of Gel coat did you cover with wax paper then come back next day and add final coat?

[@FishBumpTV]

No, that is not necessary. We just add wax in the last coat and it's all good. We do have several more gelcoat repair videos on the channel that might help. I think they are better and have more detail. Hope they help, thanks for watching!

[@theangrybass3389]

Would it be better to apply the gelcoat with a small paint roller rather than a paintbrush for a more smoother application?

[@FishBumpTV]

You can apply gelcoat with a brush, roller, spray or a blade. I chose a brush for this application because It allows you to put a lot of gel on, in a very short time. This repair was on my charter boat, and we were trying to get max thickness in minimum time so we could get back on the water. If you would like to see a smoother, but slower method of gel application, I have 2 more gel repair videos on the channel. Hope this answers your question. Thanks for watching!

[@user-bl1yn7uu3h]

How do you know if it is better to use marine tex or the ever coat? I'm working with filling in cracks in the fibreglass/gel coat that is on the roof of a trolley bus. It has epoxy primer followed by 2k followed by base/clear paint.

[@FishBumpTV]

If it has epoxy primer, I would go with marine tex since it is also epoxy.

[@user-bl1yn7uu3h]

@@FishBumpTV OK thanks!

[@pooreyorkie4478]

Hi from Maine, could you use Adtech 77, but add a black additive to fill gelcoat damage on a seadoo?

[@FishBumpTV]

Sorry, but I have not ever used that product. I would recommend contacting the company, and talk to tech support. I can tell you that in the past I have used epoxy based fillers and primers with marine grade topcoats with good results on personal watercraft. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@ace000l]

what is the paste you put on your ever coat? Mine did not come with a catalyst, and i did not see it in your links, Thank you .

[@FishBumpTV]

The paste is the hardener or catalyst. It should have came with a tube. Most hardeners for polyester or vinyl Ester fillers with work with other brands. Hope this helps and thanks for watching

[@tonybunch1550]

I got a picture to show you how do I send it to you. It’s of a boat I’m thinking about buying but it’s got a little messed up it’s more than a lil ding.

[@hondarider1324]

just bought a 1987 aggressor today and i have to do that alot to the bottom about a 2 foot strip

[@FishBumpTV]

Hope the video is helpful, have two more gel coat repair videos on the channel you might find interesting. Good luck with your project!

[@ultimatejay]

All those black marks on the hull can be taken off with magic eraser pad

[@FishBumpTV]

They sure can. I am working on a video right now where we use them on the hull. Thanks for watching!

[@chuckque6234]

The gel coat (Base white in the beginning) is what brand?

[@FishBumpTV]

I usually buy either Polynt or Cook composites and polymers in bulk 5 gallon containers from Advanced Plastics. We have a link under the video for a comparable gelcoat. Or there is a company called Spectrum Gelcoats that can match almost ant brand boat you have.

[@chuckque6234]

@@FishBumpTV I remember you mentioned that at the start. I have 01 bayliner capri

[@nickcichos2336]

If I’m using wax gelcoat what grit do I need to scuff with before adding another coat?

[@FishBumpTV]

220 is good all-around grit for scuffing.

[@user-lm1dl3xf1i]

Whats your opinion on flowcoat as a once and final?

[@FishBumpTV]

It seems that flowcoat is basically the same thing as gelcoat with wax added. Here in the US you never hear the term flowcoat. We typically buy gelcoat without wax and use that as our base coats, then add wax to get our tack free finish coat. I will be making a video on this topic very soon for you guys. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@captj6570]

Do you need to use a filler? Can you use cabosil with gelcoat to fill grooves?

[@FishBumpTV]

In my experience a filler is a good idea on any repair that is deeper than 1/8 of an inch. Gelcoat thickened with cabosil can be more brittle, and more prone to crack in some applications than a high quality filler. That doesn't mean you can't use cabosil with gelcoat on repairs, I just don't personally prefer it. Just my opinion. Hope that answers your question! Thanks for watching!

[@captj6570]

Thank you

[@306ringer4]

Good video, maybe a dumb question but why don't you put a keel guard on?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, Good question. I have tried keel guards in the past, and wasn't very happy with there performance, or looks. Just my personal opinion, they might work really well for some applications. appreciate the comment, and the views!

[@RBArcher920]

What would be wrong with just using a gelcoat paste in doing the repair and bypassing the need for a faring compound followed by liquid gelcoat?

[@FishBumpTV]

Gelcoat tends to be brittle and prone to cracking in applications over 1/16 of an inch in my experience. It is also slower curing, and harder to sand fair than most fillers. I also feel like Gelcoat in its pure state versus gelcoat that has been thickened is a better water-moisture barrier. Just my opinion based on past experience. Hope this answers your question. Thanks for watching!

[@dougschoenherr8723]

I just repaired mine like this but just saw that formula 27 isn’t supposed to be used below the water line. My boat is going to be in the water for 2 weeks straight. Do I need to sand all of the repair off and use thickened gelcoat paste or should I be good for 2 weeks and just fix it at the end of the season?

[@FishBumpTV]

Formula 27 is good for trailered boats that are not in the water for extended periods of time. The repair on the video was done on our charter boat over a year ago, with no problems. Two weeks is probably close to the max time you should leave it in the water. I would definitely recommend 3 to 4 coats of gel coat over the repair to help seal and waterproof it. A little-known fact is that even gel coat is not truly " waterproof" over enough time water can even migrate through it and cause blistering. Epoxy-based fillers are the most waterproof, But Gel coat will not chemically bond to an epoxy-based filler. Some might say that using a gel coat paste on a small repair would be better for a boat that is going to stay in the water. I know it can confusing if you don't deal with these products all the time, as there are many different ways a repair could be done, all with different results. We just try to show some of the ways we repair our own boat and the results that we get. Hope this helps, Really appreciate You watching.