Part 4 - How to Repair Screw Holes in a Fiberglass Boat

[@georgemagoo]

Great video series. One the best demonstration videos I have seen on youtube.

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for taking your time to watch my video! Norman

[@brucegallinger3521]

Finally, a video that will help me fix fiberglass!!!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@tag_76]

Watched all 4 parts. Can't even tell there was a repair done. Fantastic work!

[@NormanGooch]

MT I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos. Thanks Norman

[@dustinr.5032]

This is the type of gentleman you buy old tools or equipment from, and feel like you hit the jackpot.

[@NormanGooch]

I appreciate you watching my video and thanks for the comments Norman

[@tim7757]

One of the best & complete tutorials I've ever seen. Great job Norman & thank you so much for sharing!

[@NormanGooch]

Tim, I really appreciate the nice comments and thanks so much for watching my videos! Norman

[@justinhayes9078]

I feel like you just taught me this in person. One of the best how to videos I've seen in my life! Thank you!

[@NormanGooch]

Justin, Thanks for the nice comments, I really appreciate you watching my videos. Norman

[@tlegrow11]

I've watched other repair videos , but you sir are on another level . Thanks so much

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the feedback Norman

[@richiecampbell3806]

Hi Norman, I couldn't agree more with the previous comment from 'The Fishing Mommy'. Your instructional videos are some of the best on KZbin. Your presentation style is very clear and not at all patronising. Thank you for taking the time and effort to show us poor amateurs how to do the job right!!

[@NormanGooch]

Thank you for your comments, I appreciate you watching my video, Norman

[@soorajmalhotra6656]

What superb quality finishing. Will be using this video series as an example of fantastic commitment to workmanship.

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for taking the time to watch my video! Norman

[@costantinoschiaffino4935]

Bravo Norman, lavoro ben spiegato. Anche il tuo modo di parlare inglese con parole ben scandite permette di capire chiaramente anche a chi l'inglese non lo parla abitualmente, ma lo ha studiato solo a scuola. Grazie

[@NormanGooch]

Gracias por visualizar mi video. Agradezco sus comentarios y espero que le ayuden si necesita orientación con la reparación de su embarcación. normando

[@tomterrica4032]

Extremely good video. Thanks for teaching us all how to do this job the right way.

[@NormanGooch]

Glad the video was helpful. Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@martyb3783]

This is the best video on this subject that I have seen. Thank you very much for taking the time to make it. Well done!

[@NormanGooch]

Marty, I appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos. Thanks for the nice comments! Norman

[@martyb3783]

@@NormanGooch I hope my repairs turn out as good as yours, but I doubt it. The main thing is that your video has given me the confidence to try! Thanks again!

[@NormanGooch]

Marty, You can certainly achieve the same results as I did. Take your time, complete one step at a time, and never try to rush through fiberglass repair. Most mistakes are made by: Trying to complete the fiberglass repair too fast. Not properly preparing the damaged gel coat surface for repair. Allowing enough time between applications for proper cure time. Becoming fatigued during the repair process. If at any time you become fatigued during, cleaning, sanding, polishing, etc. Stop and rest, do not continue working. Sometimes it is best to wait until the next day to continue the project. All steps except for applying the gel coat can wait! You will get better results when you are alert and rested before attempting fiberglass repair. Thanks, Norman

[@martyb3783]

@@NormanGooch Great advice! Thanks again.

[@jakehindman7681]

Was going to pay someone to fill in my screw holes from old trim tabs. But your videos are so straightforward, easy to understand, and informative that I’m going to tackle this on my own. You’ve earned yourself a subscriber sir! Thank you for putting the time and effort into this!

[@NormanGooch]

I appreciate your comments thanks for watching my video. Norman

[@JMBoivin]

Sir, you have saved me a ton of money with great step-by-step tutorial. The links to the products is also a great help. Writing from Montreal, Canada, your help is really appreciated. Good boatin'

[@NormanGooch]

I am glad the video helped you with your boat repair project. I appreciate the nice comments and thanks so much for watching my videos. Norman

[@dominicvaladez6935]

Thanks for the quick to the point videos of the gel coat repair process

[@NormanGooch]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@PJ-ee5mc]

This is an exceptional series of videos with perfect instructions and demonstration. Many thanks.

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my videos, I appreciate your comments Norman

[@TheFishingMommy]

Amazing job! I especially appreciated how you put the notes on how much time each step took you. It’s daunting but with results like that, worth it!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video, I appreciate your comments. Norman

[@stevebiggs1822]

Dang. Great production value and presentation. Nice work sir!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks so much for the nice comments and for taking the time to watch my video! Norman

[@PyrateRumRunner]

Thanks for posting the time it takes for many of those steps!

[@NormanGooch]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for taking the time to watch my video. Norman

[@nunuland]

Absolutely brilliant job! Thanks for taking the time to put that video together. It is just what I was looking for for my own screw-hole filling. Thanks!

[@NormanGooch]

Thank you so much for the nice comments, I appreciate you watching my videos. Norman

[@lisahavlice3077]

thanks for giving me the guts to fix fiberglass on our sailboat

[@NormanGooch]

Lisa It is not difficult to do the repair. Follow the steps in order and take your time. You cannot rush fiberglass repair. Make sure your measurements are accurate and use high-quality materials and tools. Wish you success on your repair project. Thanks for watching my video. Norman

[@Killstreak4052]

Beautiful job! Thanks for the tips I need to do this to my boat! Looks like it turned out perfectly! Can’t wait to try your technique

[@NormanGooch]

This is a great do it yourself project. You can do it and get the same results. Remember to take your time and follow each step carefully and make sure you are accurate with measurements. I appreciate you taking your time to watch my video. Thanks Norman

[@bms9144]

It looks great and I really appreciate the step by step format of the video - thank you. One thing you may have missed though: you removed the ladder, but left the warning decal related to its use on. The caution decal might fall into a similar category.

[@NormanGooch]

Great point! Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@soggybottom123]

Amazing tutorial!!! Thank you for taking the time to make it for all your viewers.

[@NormanGooch]

A appreciate the nice comments and thank you very much for watching my video. Norman

[@randypowell4799]

Thanks for video, I think I will tackle a couple holes on my boat after watching. Great video.

[@NormanGooch]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching my videos Norman

[@thomasweaver9098]

Great video and job!! I am ready to do my boat now thanks to you. Those holes are unsightly and distract from the beauty of my boat. Thanks again.

[@NormanGooch]

You can really make your boat look nice with a little planning and the right tools. I appreciate your comments and for watching my video. I hope you have a great time working on your boat. Thanks, Norman

[@kelley71]

Awesome job. I did this a while back when I bottomed out on a bar repairing all the cheese grater marks. Arms were sore laying on back for 3 days but it looked better than new.

[@NormanGooch]

Good stuff! Thanks so much for watching my video! Norman

[@robmcbride1664]

Excellent, very thorough demonstration 👍

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video! Happy New Year Norman

[@jdblake22]

One of the best videos I've seen yet on boat repair.

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video Norman

[@robs.202]

Thorough! Great job, Norman!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks so much for watching my videos! Norman

[@djmatthewsol]

Beautiful production. Thank you!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video Norman

[@lnfinity4752]

That was a masterpiece of instruction. Thank you.

[@NormanGooch]

I appreciate the nice comments! Thanks for taking the time to view my videos. Norman

[@An9eL_C]

Thank you so much Norman for sharing your skills and video...

[@NormanGooch]

You are welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch my video Norman

[@herbbie4714]

Job well done sir!! thank you! Patience is key!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@rostang50]

Wow Norm that really looks good. Thanks for the info

[@NormanGooch]

Ross, Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@holoholowithpo]

Mahalo for an awesome, easy to follow, and detailed video!!!🤙

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my videos! I appreciate your comments have a great day. Norman

[@robertstell2455]

Thank you so much, This was so educational, And we can all use some of that...

[@NormanGooch]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for taking the time to watch my video! Norman

[@bryanlogan6911]

Excellent job! Feels good to look at those before and afters, no matter how long it took.👍

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video. I appreciate your nice comments. Norman

[@AB-bg1or]

Very informative and well laid out. Need to do this on my Wahoo. Thanks for the quality work and step by step details.

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video. I appreciate your comments. Norman

[@flash521]

Please buy the property next to my casa here in Baja Mexico, Sea of Cortez. I am working on repairing fiberglass holes and gel coat for my 2004 Sea Pro. After watching this I will try to find out if there is pre-matched color gel coat. Thank you for the training. 🎣

[@NormanGooch]

Sounds like a nice place to live, however, I will stay in North Carolina! I wish you success in repairing your boat. Thanks for watching my video. Norman

[@2real2deny56]

The man is definitely thorough,👍👍👍

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video Norman

[@shawnj9655]

outstanding work, thank you for taking the time to post and explain all the details!

[@NormanGooch]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching my video Norman

[@EricElPescador]

Great videos. Thanks for posting, I’m sure this will help me in the future!

[@NormanGooch]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching Norman

[@fancyfurmobiledoggrooming4542]

Great video. That's a lot of work.

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for taking the time to watch my video! Norman

[@royheard3622]

Thank you, your videos show from start to finished the end result I am looking for I will pass on your website. Good information

[@NormanGooch]

Awesome, thank you! Norman

[@twisterwiper]

Great job on both the boat and the videos! It looks like the primary components in this process is time and patience 😊 I like that you state how much time was spent on each step so you know what you are getting into. I feel tempted to repair a few holes in my sailboat when time permits.

[@NormanGooch]

You are correct! fiberglass repair is not something you can rush through. Best of all, it is not difficult to do. Taking your time to complete one step at a time in the correct order and using accurate measurements, anyone can achieve good results and save a lot money on repairs. I appreciate your nice comments and thanks so much for watching my videos. Norman

[@HBC1021]

Thank you Norman, hopefully you make some more how-to videos!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my videos. Norman

[@joshjones9878]

Brilliant - what a pro result you got. Need to do the same on my boat.

[@NormanGooch]

Thank you for your comment. The hole repair job is not difficult to do. If you do one step at a time, use quality products, and don't rush through any step, you can have the same results with your boat. Thanks, Norman

[@Seabrat]

Thank you for your videos. They were very informative and I really appreciate your step by step approach. - I filled screw holes with marine sealant when screwing in my smart tabs of which I now need to move. Will I be able to do all these steps the same way even though I did that? I did not want to take the chance of any of the screw hole area leaking so I probably went overkill with the marine sealant.

[@NormanGooch]

Depending on the type of marine sealant used to fill the holes, you should be able to remove the screws. However, you must be very careful to avoid breaking or stripping the screw head. Do not use a power screwdriver to remove the screws, as it can be too fast and strip away the cross shape in a Phillips head screw, making it more difficult to remove. Use a manual screwdriver with the correct size head and apply enough pressure to avoid jumping in the screw head slots. You can feel if the screw is loosening; slowly turn and remove. If the screw doesn't turn with a screwdriver, and there's enough space above the surface, you can clamp a pair of locking pliers to the screw head as close to the surface as possible. Then gently turn it counterclockwise. It's important to work slowly to avoid snapping the screw head. If the screws come out, you can use a drill and clean out the holes. Please make sure to take note of the following instructions: If the screws break off and you're unable to remove them, just let me know and I'll provide you with some suggestions on how to safely get them out without causing any further damage to your boat. Furthermore, if the screw holes extend all the way through the laminate and are situated below the waterline, you'll need to utilize progressively larger pieces of fiberglass fabric saturated with a mixture of epoxy 105/205 and 410 fairing filler to fill the hole. If you purchased a West Systems Fiberglass Repair Kit, it includes instructions and all the necessary materials for the repairs. I hope this information is helpful. Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@dcdehart]

Wow..i was going to pay someone to do this. after watching, feel pretty good I can do it

[@NormanGooch]

If you take your time and follow the steps in order, you can do the repair yourself even if you haven’t done fiberglass repair before. Most fail the first time by not following the steps in the correct sequence, rushing the repair, or forgetting important parts that are crucial to proper application and curing of the Gelcoat and epoxy. If this is your first time attempting to repair Gelcoat and fiberglass, you should do some research to learn a little basic information about Gelcoat, fiberglass, laments, and epoxies. Once you have a little knowledge, it will help you understand why you are doing certain steps during the repair. Before you start, get all the tools, materials, instructions, and time to begin. Take your time and do one step at a time - complete all instructions in the correct sequence in each step before starting the next one. You do not have to do all steps on the same day. Be thorough, double-check your work at every step of the way to make sure you are doing it right. Don’t Worry! This is a do-it-yourself project. Even if you make a mistake, you can fix it. If the epoxy doesn’t cure, or it wasn’t mixed right, or the gel coat is not smooth or curing properly, you can start over and try again. It can all be fixed and done over. You can’t mess up! Once you complete a step and you are 100% sure it was done right - then move to the next step. If you follow these instructions, you will save a lot of money by doing it yourself. Thanks for watching my videos. Norman

[@b_aleman]

Amazing job Norman!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video. I appreciate your comments Norman

[@SP_Hatter]

Excellent video and repair. Turned out great!

[@NormanGooch]

I appreciate you watching my videos. Thanks for your very nice comments. Norman

[@dax.outdoors]

Fantastic tutorial! Thank you sir

[@NormanGooch]

You're very welcome! Norman

[@Seabrat]

Could you do a Video on how to remove screws from the stern of your boat? I will wait until the mosquitos wont carry me off to do these repairs. I used 4200 to install brackets for the smart tabs. Thank you very much ! Wish you were my neighbor 😁

[@NormanGooch]

I appreciate you watching my video. I hope you can complete your repair project. If you were my neighbor, I would be glad to help you with the boat repairs. As far as making a new video, I have no plans to do so. However, the preparation and repair process for the holes in the current video will be the same for the stern (if it's fiberglass). 4200 Marine Sealant is a semi-permanent, flexible adhesive sealant that bonds and seals effectively while still allowing for disassembly. You should be able to remove the screws. Please make sure to take note of the following instructions: If the screw holes go all the way through the laminate and are located below the waterline, you will need to cut pieces of fiberglass fabric in varying sizes. These pieces should be saturated with a mixture of epoxy 105/205 and 410 fairing filler to fill the hole, the number and size of the pieces will depend on the size of the holes. I hope this helps. Thanks, Norman

[@flienlow6281]

you fool! you made me think I'm a shipwright! Fantastic video! Thank you for giving me the confidence to try this!

[@NormanGooch]

You can do it! Plus it is a fun project to do. Just take your time with each step, follow the instructions and make sure your measurements are accurate. Thanks so much for watching my videos. Norman

[@texak1974]

Wow what a great job!

[@NormanGooch]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching my video. Norman

[@jpurcha]

Excellent video. Just purchased a used FRP boat and need to "proper" repair some screw holes. Fastener clips are missing. Used West Epoxy before. Matching the gelcoat might be the problem. Mfr is long gone.

[@NormanGooch]

Mixing gelcoat with color mixing agents can be challenging, especially if you lack experience. You can purchase kits that come with coloring charts to help you match your boat color. When adding thickeners and catalysts to the gelcoat, it is essential to be careful and to pay attention to timing. Thank you for watching my video, and I appreciate your kind comments. Norman

[@theengineer8031]

Norman. Great, instructional video. I see you have applied the gelcoat to an epoxy repair but I have previously read that gelcoat polyester resin is not compatible with epoxy. Would be interested in your view on this.

[@NormanGooch]

There have been conflicting answers regarding whether gelcoat can adhere to epoxy or not. You can find expert fiberglass boat repair craftsmen stating gelcoat will not cure over epoxy resin and you will also find experts who say it will cure over epoxy resin. The answer: Yes, it will. The gelcoat will bond well to a properly cured and prepared epoxy surface. Epoxy hardeners are a blend of amines. The amines from the epoxy can inhibit the polyester gelcoat and prevent it from setting. The main reasons gelcoat will not bond to epoxy: 1. Under-cured epoxy. If the gelcoat is applied to epoxy before it is fully cured, the contact with the non-reacted amines stops the curing process. 2. Epoxy is not mixed at the correct ratio. Mix ratio is so important and if it's wrong your epoxy mix will not cure. The gelcoat will not adhere to un-cured epoxy. 3. Amine Blush. Amine blush is a surface effect resulting from the curing agent reacting with Carbon Dioxide in the air rather than the epoxy resin. The by-product of this reaction is a compound that forms on the surface of the curing resin and readily absorbs moisture from the air. Under high humidity conditions, it will cause white streaks to appear on the surface of the resin and the uncured laminate. 4. Surface not properly prepared. Textured, sanded, cleaned with water, cleaned with acetone, and cleaned again with water. 5. Working in humid environments. Working with epoxy in a humid environment may cause inconsistent results due to moisture entering the mixture. It's recommended that you keep the temperature as close to 75 Degrees as possible. I have used epoxy to repair small holes and cracks in fiberglass boats for many years using West 205 and 207 hardeners. (207 has a stronger bond) and applied a gel coat to the repaired surface and had no issues with the gelcoat adhering to the epoxy surface. I hope this answers your question. Thanks so much for watching my video! Norman

[@jpb9171]

Thank you for the video. Looks perfect.

[@NormanGooch]

You are welcome! Thanks so much for watching my video Norman

[@Joe-dz7kj]

Great job!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video! Hope you have a blessed day. Norman

[@erikhickey367]

Solid video nice work

[@NormanGooch]

"Thank you for taking the time to watch my video! I appreciate it. Norman"

[@carlosbelmonte5390]

Thanks you for teaching 😊

[@NormanGooch]

My pleasure 😊 Thanks for watching my video Norman

[@noblece]

Thank you, very informative.

[@NormanGooch]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching my video Norman

[@floridasaltlife]

Well done DIY style repair...

[@NormanGooch]

Doug, Thanks for watching my video. I appreciate your nice comments. Norman

[@rclappjr]

looks great - thanks for the videos!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video, I appreciate your comments. Norman

[@RickShay-n2p]

Good video!!

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@spirit4earth]

Is that tape the kind that you’d use for painting?

[@NormanGooch]

Yes, it is blue painters tape. It is easy to remove and will not harm the gelcoat surface. Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@juliainman8665]

Stunning finish! Sunscribed! Do you reckon this method would work for a full thickness hole in gelcoat on a motorhome roof? The fibreglass underneath it is intact thankfully. 😊

[@NormanGooch]

To repair the hole, I would use an RV roof patch. First, assess the size and depth of the hole. If it's large and deep, You will need to fill in layers for this size hole. Epoxy generates heat as it cures, this size hole will not cure properly if you fill it all at one time. Make sure the interior of the hole is clean and free of moisture before you begin the repair. Cut pieces of fiberglass reinforcing fabric to fit the diameter of the hole. Saturate the fiberglass pieces with epoxy resin, push it down into the hole, only fill 3/8” at a time, and let the epoxy resin reach the gel stage between each layer. After the hole is completely filled, let it cure for 24 hours before applying the roof patch. RV roof patches are very durable, and provide a permanent solution to a tear or small hole. Depending on the type of RV patch you buy, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application. I hope this helps with your project. Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@primate2744]

I was under the impression that gel coat does not bond to epoxy. Will that effect a repair situation like this? I have several holes from removing a down rigger mount and am planning on a new coat of gel coat for the entire top surface of the boat.

[@NormanGooch]

It is easy to be confused when it comes to gel coat and epoxy. Epoxy hardeners are a blend of amines. The amines from the epoxy can inhibit the polyester Gelcoat and prevent it from setting. There have been so many conflicting answers to the question: Will Gelcoat adhere to Epoxy? The answer: Yes, it will. Gelcoat will bond to a properly cured and prepared epoxy surface. The main reasons Gelcoat will not bond to epoxy: 1. Under cured epoxy. If Gelcoat is applied to epoxy before it is fully cured, the contact with the non-reacted amines stops the curing process. 2. Epoxy is not mixed at the correct ratio. Mix ratio is so important and if it's wrong your epoxy mix will not cure. Gelcoat will not adhere to un-cured epoxy. 3. Amine Blush. Amine blush is a surface effect resulting from the curing agent reacting with Carbon Dioxide in the air rather than the epoxy resin. The by-product of this reaction is a compound that forms on the surface of the curing resin and readily absorbs moisture from the air. Under high humidity conditions, it will cause white streaks to appear on the surface of the resin and the uncured laminate. 4. Surface not properly prepared. Textured, sanded, cleaned with water, cleaned with acetone, cleaned again with water. 5. Working in humid environments. Make sure the epoxy and the environment are as dry as possible. Humidity levels below 85% are recommended. Working with epoxy in a humid environment may cause inconsistent results due to moisture entering the mixture. It's recommended that you keep the temperature as close to 75 Degrees as possible. If the temperature is warmer the epoxy will react quicker which results in shorter mixing times and faster cure times. The epoxy can also burn if the temperatures are too hot during the mixing process. I have used epoxy to repair holes and cracks in fiberglass boats for many years, using West 205 and 207 hardeners. (207 has a stronger bond) and applied gelcoat to the repaired surface and so far, have not had any issues with the Gelcoat adhering to the epoxy surface. I hope this helps with your question. Thanks, Norman

[@primate2744]

@@NormanGooch your answer and detailed explanation are very helpful Norman. Thank you greatly for taking your time to lay it out for me. I live in Florida and all I ever heard was gelcoat didn't bond to epoxy. Maybe down here It's just a rule of thumb due to heat and humidity? At any rate, I'll take your information and proceed accordingly. Have a great day!

[@NormanGooch]

If your boat will fit and you have access to a garage where you can control the temperature, you should have no problem with heat and humidity causing issues with your boat repair using epoxy filler and Gelcoat. Thanks again for watching my video. Norman

[@punziracing]

Like Norm says, if you apply the epoxy properly, let it fully cure and remove all traces of amine blush you will be fine on any non-structural application.

[@JeffRigney]

Nice job!

[@NormanGooch]

I appreciate you watching my videos. I appreciate your comments. Thanks, Norman

[@juanriverol7527]

Sir, do you live in Miami? I would like it to my boat that came out perfect

[@NormanGooch]

Juan, Sorry, I live in North Carolina. But you can achieve the same results by taking your time and following the step-by-step instructions. Thanks for watching my videos. Norman

[@matts2687]

Would using the first part with the epoxy be strong enough to repair a striped out hole.? The bracket that holds my teak platform to the back of boat, one hole striped out..

[@NormanGooch]

Matt, Follow these instructions to fix the loose screw. Remove the existing loose hardware. Clean dirt, old sealants, and other materials from the hardware, boat surface, and fastener hole. Drill an oversized hole to expose uncontaminated deck material and increase the bonding area. Drill the oversized hole only ¾ the depth of the original hole if the hardware is not through-bolted. Allow core material to dry thoroughly if wet. Use a heat gun or lamp to speed drying. (do not attempt to fill the hole if moisture is present - the epoxy will not cure properly) Mix the epoxy and hardener properly, then thicken the epoxy mixture with a 406 Adhesive filler to a non-sagging consistency. Use a syringe and fill the hole with the epoxy mixture. Tape over the hole if on a vertical surface. Allow the epoxy to cure for 24 hours. Drill a pilot hole using a drill bit smaller than the screw or bolt. Insert the screw and tighten it down using a hand screwdriver. ( do not use power drivers) Thank you very much for watching my video. Norman

[@matts2687]

@@NormanGooch thanks for your help.. God Bless...

[@toshinaritakayanagi]

Thank you very much for the step by step instruction and demonstrating the impressive result! I have one question: In my case, the screw holes became loose (so the original screws do not hold any more), and I would like to repair it to re-use the original places to put the screws again. For this, may I follow the same step except for the last gel coating, as the surface is not exposed and I do not need to make it look nice? Or, to drill the same place, do I need different step, such as filling the hole with different type of filler? Thanks in advance.

[@NormanGooch]

Drill the original screw hole a little larger to expose new material inside and around the hole. Make sure you clean inside the hole removing all dust and debris. Clean the area with acetone. I suggest using West 105 epoxy resin, 205 hardener and 406 adhesive filler. Follow mixing instructions for the epoxy and hardener, then add filler and mix until you get a ketchup consistency. Fill the hole with the thickened epoxy, if the hole is on a vertical surface, tape over the hole and let cure for 24 hours. Once the epoxy cures it will be extremely hard and durable. Use a collar on your drill bit to stop at the right depth of the original hole. Drill a pilot hole into the center of the epoxy filled hole. Dip the screw in 3M 5200 sealant to eliminate the possibility of water seeping into the hole. Drill the screw into the pilot hole using the low-speed setting on your drill. Stop drilling when the screw head is about ¼” from the surface. Use a hand-held screw driver to continue tightening down the screw until secure. Make sure you seal around the screw and attached accessories with marine sealer. I hope this helps, Thanks, Norman

[@toshinaritakayanagi]

@@NormanGooch Thank you very much Norman for the very detailed instruction! This is really helps. Really appreciated!

[@yosbanyramos8206]

Beautiful job .I need to repear a couple holes in my boat ,can you do it for me and I pay you ???

[@NormanGooch]

Yosbany Ramos, Sorry, I no longer repair boats for other people. If you hire someone to do the job, depending on the number of holes, size, age of boat, condition of the gelcoat, and hole location , the cost to repair can be very expensive. You may consider trying to do it yourself. It's not difficult to do , it just takes time and patience. You will be amazed at how easy it really is. You can achieve the same results with a little work. I appreciate you watching my video and wish you luck with your boat repair. Thanks, Norman

[@walleye855]

ur good. Thank you for sharing.

[@NormanGooch]

I appreciate your comments and thank you for watching my videos. Norman

[@cdk102974]

Mr. Norman, I drilled holes for a bilge pump and went thru the hull. Three very small holes (#8 screws or 5/32) a few inches apart like the points of a triangle/pyramid. Would you still recommend this repair for the bottom of the boat?

[@NormanGooch]

Corey, You will need to follow a different repair procedure for thru the hull holes. The method for filling in removed thru-hull fastener holes depends on the thickness of the laminate, the diameter of the hole and whether the hole is in a critical area. Holes below the waterline and in thinner laminates are considered critical areas. If you buy the West Systems Fiberglass repair kit as shown in the video, it will give you step-by-step instructions on how to repair thru-hull holes below the waterline. Below is a preview of what you will have to do. You can decide if you can do the repair yourself or not. It sounds complicated but it is not so hard to do. You must take your time and do each step carefully. The repair can be from one or both sides. Follow these instructions: Note: Use a power disc sander with 60 grit sandpaper to make the taper. 1. Grind out the area around the hole and taper the perimeter of the hole to a shallow 12:1 slope. 2. Cut multiple pieces of fiberglass to fit within and fill the void. Cut the bottom, largest layer about ¾” smaller than the width of the void. Cut each successive layer about ¾” smaller-3/8” on each edge - than the layer below it. 3. Mix a packet of 105/205 epoxy in a mixing cup. 4. Apply the largest piece of fiberglass in the center of the void and saturate it with epoxy using the disposable brush. Apply and saturate the progressively smaller pieces, centering them evenly over the larger pieces. Mix more epoxy as necessary to saturate all layers of fiberglass in the void with epoxy. Allow the epoxy to cure until it begins to gel. 5. Fair the surface when the epoxy begins to gel and is still tacky. Mix a packet of 105 resin/ 205 hardener and blend in 410 faring filler to make a thick, non-sagging mixture. Trowel this mixture onto the fiberglass cloth with a mixing stick. Smooth the mixture slightly higher than the surrounding surface. Allow to cure. 6. Sand the surface to shape. Re-fill any voids as necessary. 7. Coat with un-thickened epoxy to ensure an excellent surface for the final finish. Allow to cure. 8. Wet sand with 180-grit sandpaper to prepare for the gelcoat application. I hope this helps, Thanks for watching my video Norman

[@cdk102974]

@@NormanGooch I really appreciate you taking the time to respond this thoroughly and quickly, Mr. Norman!

[@CJ-gz6yk]

Can this process be done for hatch screws that have bored out fiberglass to re seat screws?

[@NormanGooch]

To repair stripped and bored out screw holes depending the the size, if less than 1/4" do the following: Drill the original screw hole a little larger to expose new material inside and around the hole. Make sure you clean inside the hole removing all dust and debris. Clean the area with acetone. I suggest using West 105 epoxy resin, 205 hardener and 406 adhesive filler. Follow mixing instructions for the epoxy and hardener, then add filler and mix until you get a ketchup consistency. Fill the hole with the thickened epoxy, if the hole is on a vertical surface, tape over the hole and let cure for 24 hours. Once the epoxy cures it will be extremely hard and durable. Use a collar on your drill bit to stop at 3/4" of the depth of the original hole. Drill a pilot hole into the center of the epoxy filled hole. Dip the screw in 3M 5200 sealant to eliminate the possibility of water seeping into the hole. Drill the screw into the pilot hole using the low-speed setting on your drill. Stop drilling when the screw head is about ¼” from the surface. Use a hand-held screw driver to continue tightening down the screw until secure. Make sure you seal around the screw and attached accessories with marine sealer. I hope this helps, Thanks, Norman

[@oldhardrock2542]

​@Norman Gooch Thanks. That was the answer to my question too.

[@Letzgobrandun-wi1pc]

Is there a link for the Spectrum kit? With the same color you used?

[@NormanGooch]

I purchased the Spectrum Gel Coat Paste from iBoats.com. The color is based on the model year and manufacturer. The color match for a 2013 Carolina Skiff was French Vanilla. Here is a link: www.iboats.com/shop/spectrum-color-carolina-skiff-2013-french-vanilla-color-boat-gel-coat-patch-paste-repair-kit.html Thanks for watching my videos. Norman

[@Letzgobrandun-wi1pc]

@@NormanGooch My hole is in bottom of boat. 3/4 x 1in deep.. Going to tape bottom hole and fill from top. You say 3/8 layers at a time?

[@NormanGooch]

You will need to fill in layers for this size hole. Epoxy generates heat as it cures, this size hole may not cure properly if you fill it all at one time. Fill 3/8” at a time and let the epoxy resin reach the gel stage. Make sure the interior of the hole is clean and free of moisture before you begin the repair. Mixing epoxy resin, hardener, and filler As mixed epoxy resin and hardener cure, it passes from a liquid state, through a gel state to a solid-state. Please note: The temperature will affect curing times. The cooler the temperature of curing epoxy, the slower it cures. Three things contribute to epoxy’s temperature: 1. The general surrounding temperature of your work area (or ambient temperature). 2. The temperature of the surface you’ve applied the epoxy to is also a part of ambient temperature. 3. The heat the epoxy generates as it cures (exothermic heat) Epoxy resin reaches the gel state in about 20 to 45 minutes. (At 72 degrees F) However, this depends on several factors including the type of hardener used (fast or slow cure), temperature, added fillers, etc. How does it work when filling the hole in layers? It gives the epoxy resin time to release heat from inside the hole as it reaches the gel stage. Also, because the layer of epoxy resin is only partially cured, a new application of epoxy will still chemically link with it, so the surface can still be bonded to or recoated without special preparation. However, this diminishes as the mixture approaches its final cure. I hope this helps with your project Thanks

[@Fnix]

I thought that you cannot gelcoat over epoxy?

[@NormanGooch]

It is easy to be confused when it comes to Gelcoat and epoxy. Epoxy hardeners are a blend of amines. The amines from the epoxy can inhibit the polyester Gelcoat and prevent it from setting. There have been so many conflicting answers to the question: Will Gelcoat adhere to Epoxy? The answer: Yes, it will. Gelcoat will bond well to a properly cured and prepared epoxy surface. The main reasons Gelcoat will not bond to epoxy: 1. Under cured epoxy. If Gelcoat is applied to epoxy before it is fully cured, the contact with the non-reacted amines stops the curing process. 2. Epoxy is not mixed at the correct ratio. Mix ratio is so important and if it's wrong your epoxy mix will not cure. Gelcoat will not adhere to un-cured epoxy. 3. Amine Blush. Amine blush is a surface effect resulting from the curing agent reacting with Carbon Dioxide in the air rather than the epoxy resin. The by-product of this reaction is a compound that forms on the surface of the curing resin and readily absorbs moisture from the air. Under high humidity conditions, it will cause white streaks to appear on the surface of the resin and the uncured laminate. 4. Surface not properly prepared. Textured, sanded, cleaned with water, cleaned with acetone, cleaned again with water. 5. Working in humid environments. Make sure the epoxy and the environment are as dry as possible. Humidity levels below 85% are recommended. Working with epoxy in a humid environment may cause inconsistent results due to moisture entering the mixture. It's recommended that you keep the temperature as close to 75 Degrees as possible. If the temperature is warmer the epoxy will react quicker which results in shorter mixing times and faster cure times. The epoxy can also burn if the temperatures are too hot during the mixing process. I have used epoxy to repair holes and cracks in fiberglass boats for many years, using West 205 and 207 hardeners. (207 has a stronger bond) and applied gelcoat to the repaired surface and so far, have not had any issues with the Gelcoat adhering to the epoxy surface. I hope this helps with your question. Thanks for watching my videos Norman

[@Fnix]

@@NormanGooch Will the gelcoat interfere with the integrity of the epoxy or just not adhere in a worse case scenario?

[@NormanGooch]

Gelcoat will not affect epoxy, epoxy affects gelcoat. Adhesion issues will not harm the epoxy. Thanks, Norman

[@blackbirdfpv1981]

Looks great only advise is maybe next time make it only a 2 part video takes a long time to watch

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for the tip I appreciate you watching my videos Norman

[@cameronarrowood6074]

amazing

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks, I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video. Norman

[@davidhall1779]

Fantastic tutorial. But it looks like the main ingredient is again, elbow grease.

[@NormanGooch]

Yes it takes some work. But if you take your time completing one step at a time, you can repair it yourself instead of having to pay someone to do it for you. Repairing small holes , cracks, and loose bolts etc. yourself can save you a lot of money. Thanks for watching my video. Norman

[@danielberube5282]

Nice job

[@NormanGooch]

Thanks for watching my video I appreciate your comments

[@ZombieBiden]

Or just mount the shallow water anchor to the other side

[@NormanGooch]

There were two 12ft. shallow water anchors installed. One on the starboard side and one on the portside, there was no choice but to remove all hardware from the boat. Thanks for watching my video! Norman

[@bootboy17]

Damn you did that!!

[@NormanGooch]

Yes I did! Thanks, Norman

[@bootboy17]

@@NormanGooch No, Thank you Norm! Im going to try it soon, and see if mine comes out as nice as yours. You did a good job on that bruh.

[@NormanGooch]

You can do it, just take your time and do one step at a time. Good luck on your project Norman

[@mickkulin8207]

How to over complicate a simple procedure in 52 extremely time consuming steps. Love how you glossed over the filling of the holes with a ketchup consistency substance and that your prep of the epoxy would take most people longer than the time the mixture takes to harden. Not to mention the extreme cost for this simple repair.

[@NormanGooch]

Mick, I appreciate you watching my videos, your feedback helps me learn what viewers like or don’t like. Each time I create a new video for KZbin I try to improve from previous videos to better serve KZbin viewers looking for simple Do-It-Yourself projects. Thanks, Norman

[@n0exit]

What would you suggest then? Just fill it with silicone? Properly filling a hole in a cored fiberglass laminate is essential to preventing problems down the road.

[@mickkulin8207]

@@n0exit as long as water does not get in it will be fine

[@danvitale1642]

too many ads

[@NormanGooch]

Dan, I agree. There are too many ads. When I upload a video, I only select one ad to run at the beginning of the video. However, KZbin has display ads that I have no control over. The check box to uncheck the display ads is grayed out so you can't turn them off. These KZbin display ads run automatically. Depending on how long the video plays will determine how many display ads will run. Thanks for watching my video. Norman