Gel Coat and possible trailer issue??

[vxooxv]

When I bought the boat in the early spring I did notice what appeared to be a gel coat repair (which is what appears to be rubbing off). Knowing what I know sorta now a good job I probably should not have even noticed the repair as it was slightly raised. As if a coating over not smoothed in so to speak.

At any rate since I dont have a lift I don't know how far this goes back and last time I had the boat off the trailer I didn't notice anything wrong with the bunks that would cause this. So now I dont know if I have a bunk issue along with a gel coat issue. The bunks appear to be scuffing the other size too.

So- these plastic bunks??? Garbage or what am I dealing with there?

As far as the gel coat. I only have 2 more weekend trips planned. At most that's on / off the trailer twice. I know it's probably not ideal to let the fiberglass get wet. Will I trash the boat if it does?? What's my risk outside peeling off some of the older patch?? I'm trying to find a reputable place around Anna (recommendations welcomed) but these 2 last trips are the ones planned all year and there is zero chance I can get it repaired before this weekend or Labor Day so I'm torn.

 

[Bruce]

Wow, that is a crazy amount of damage. Almost looks like someone painted over previous damage and the paint if coming off now. I have never seen gelcoat come off like that.

Some members found damage from ultimate bunk boards. I believe your bunks are a different product that appears to be causing even more harm.

@Glassman, he needs your expertise!

 

[Edward]

Looks like your keel is chipping too. I've never seen non carpeted bunks....that's not to say they don't exist but sure seems like those are damaging your boat.

Is that paint overspray on your trailer? Maybe someone tried to paint the area while it was on the trailer?

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Looks like the previous owner slapped white Marine Tex on it and called it fixed. Ugh!

Before I recommend a temporary seal.... How much has this boat sat in the water in previous weeks?

 

[vxooxv]

So I'm going to be looking for new bunks in the off season. Any recommendations?

@Murf'n'surf boat has been sitting as is for a month. The current plan was to go to lake this weekend 3 day and weekend after labor for another 3 dayer.

 

[tdonoughue]

For new bunks, I would go with pressure treated lumber with a carpet covering. I have a thread on here documenting my last bunk board change (I didn't use pressure treated--I probably will next time).

As to going again with another temporary seal... I am told that there is no wood beneath our fiberglass. That is the real danger with fiberglass getting wet without gelcoat. The fiberglass will wick water. Usually there is plywood providing extra support behind the fiberglass. If the gelcoat is gone, water wicks through the fiberglass, wets the plywood, which then rots and you have a big problem.

Personally, if you have already been out in the water for a month like that, I can't see two sets of 3 days really doing huge harm. I would probably replace the bunks, scrape off that paint, repaint it and go for it. Then in the off season you will need to get all that paint off and do a gelcoat job on it. IMHO.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Go with wood bunks covered in carpet.

Not sitting in the water is great! Ok, I'm worried about what's hidden under the bunk but that's not easy to find out in your timeframe. First off, get a 5 in 1 scraper and get as much loose white crap off as you can. Rub it all down with lots of acetone. Next, brush on some 2 part clear epoxy commonly found at your home creepo or hardware store. Be neat about it, it will be ground off when you get the final repair done and won't cause much extra work. I've seen some guys shoot bare fiberglass with spray paint as a temp seal but I like a thicker protectant.

 

[Bruce]

So I'm going to be looking for new bunks in the off season. Any recommendations?

@Murf'n'surf boat has been sitting as is for a month. The current plan was to go to lake this weekend 3 day and weekend after labor for another 3 dayer.

This is my bunk replacement thread. It is an easy task.

 

[vxooxv]

@Murf'n'surf can I just brush on the epoxy?? Any recommendations there?

It's going in for service as soon as my 2nd trip is completed.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Yes, mix it and brush it on with a small brush.

Wait until the season is over for the repair. Dealerships never move quickly

 

[Glassman]

Typical for these boats to wear at that location on the hull, especially with plastic bunk boards or worn carpeted boards. I agree with the guys, it's a bad repair job losing adhesion.

Question is, what's under the bunks? That boat should go on a hoist or jack stands and be inspected. Sand it down properly and let it sit for a while in a garage or indoor storage preferably.

Then repair it correctly.

 

[vxooxv]

Bumping thread - boat is going in for gel coat repair and I need to replace the bunks - or at least the surface. Any recommendations on carpet etc are welcomed.

 

[atldude]

CE Smith Trailer Roll Carpet, Black, 18" x 18'- Replacement Parts and Accessories for your Ski Boat, Fishing Boat or Sailboat Trailer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038ZWMY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_z2JSybWX91F6J

This is what I used and so far so good.

 

[tdonoughue]

I have heard many opinions on this. Myself, I went to Lowes and got some indoor/outdoor carpet. Has worked fine for the couple years at least. And it was cheap.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

If you go the house carpet route, get Berber as it holds up 1000 time better that pile carpet.

 

[vxooxv]

CE Smith Trailer Roll Carpet, Black, 18" x 18'- Replacement Parts and Accessories for your Ski Boat, Fishing Boat or Sailboat Trailer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038ZWMY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_z2JSybWX91F6J

This is what I used and so far so good.

Thanks, this looks good. AS long as the black doesn't wear on the gel coat.