Most of the nicks, chips and spider-webbing on a boat are found in fiberglass. They’re annoying because they ruin the appearance of the boat’s hull or interior. When spiderwebs and cracks continue to get worse, they will eventually allow water to seep inside the hull. That can spell big trouble. Most boats manufactured today are made with a fiberglass or fiberglass laminate hull and deck, and fiberglass components like the console.
Fiberglass is an essential material in most boats. It offers many wonderful advantages, including making nice boats affordable. But there’s one fact in a fiberglass boater’s life – the gelcoat and fiberglass will get damaged in some fashion. Marine fiberglass maintenance and repair is as important as marine engine repair or sailboat canvas repair because it’s no fun watching your boat sit in a boatyard when you could be cruising the open water. It’s common to look at minor flaws in the fiberglass and think, “No big deal. I’ll fix it later.” In the real world, that can prove to be an expensive mistake.
Fiberglass will break down over time for one of several reasons. The sun’s heat and ultraviolet rays can eventually cause fiberglass to get brittle. If the gel coat surface is cracked or damaged due to impacts or vibrations, water seeps in through the cracks and damages the structure. Saltwater speeds up the damage, as it can create undue pressure that eventually causes damage.
Can’t I fix Small Fiberglass Problems Myself?
Some repairs can be made by the DIYer, and others must be completed by a marine fiberglass repair specialist. If you are uncomfortable doing even a small job yourself, then it’s better to let someone with experience do it. The problem is that ANY crack or damage to the gelcoat, fiberglass or fiberglass laminate and core can lead to major expensive repairs. Consider too, the fact that most boats need to be hauled out of the water to make repairs.
Do you know about the need for resin and fiberglass fabric compatibility? For example, fiberglass mats need a polyester soluble binder because epoxy can dissolve the mat. Epoxies are good for adhesion purposes. Do you have the right tools, like saturation rollers and mechanical sanders or grinders? There are situations which should be left for professional marine repair only – situations where knowledge of resin depth, or fiberglass thickness are not known, damage where fiberglass fibers or coring is visible, when the hull is damaged or fatigued (i.e., on older boats), or even situations where you want the look of the new gelcoat to blend in with the rest of the boat.
Protect Your Investment By Letting The Professionals Handle Your Fiberglass Boat Repair Work
The team at Anchor Marine Repair know that your boat is a large investment for you and realize that you want to be on the water as soon as possible. Our company is the #1 marine repair facility in Minnesota. We offer pick-up and delivery of your boat, and if applicable, work with your insurance company to minimize out of pocket expenses. Let our experienced fiberglass repair technicians give your boat the repair it needs. To schedule a free estimate, give us a call today at (763) 972-3540 or email service@anchormarinerepair.com.
