My 1st Grady White. 263 Chase horrible fiberglass, Replaceable or fixable? Pulpit and windlass issues as well.

[gotacamaro]

I am a 1st time Grady white owner, 2000 263 chase center console in the Annapolis, Maryland area. I love the boat so far besides the horrible fiberglass issues on all the doors/hatches and even the bow pulpit (Which i cant seem to remove).

Couple questions.

1. Can any of these pieces be replaced? or do i have to have them fiberglass repaired? What should I expect to pay?
2. How do you remove the bow pulpit? I took all the screws off and it still wont budge. Is it possibly cemented on there (5200?)
3. The windlass is rusted and not currently hooked up (wires were snipped). Is this motor and assembly repairable? or do I need to shop for a new windlass?

I appreciate any help.

 

[efx]

This is a common problem. I suggest taking off the hatches and have them repaired by a fiberglass and gel coat shop. They typically work for a fixed price per piece. Shop around. There are two options, repair they area that’s peeling or refinish the entire piece. I suggest refinishing the entire piece. We are assuming they are solid and not soft cored. For the pulpit, I suggest replacing it in place and adding starboard on any wear points. Replace the windlass, that existing unit can be rebuilt but will be a slow performer and clunky.I now see the gear are rusty and exposed. Replace the unit.

 

[gotacamaro]

The hatch in the rear is soft. All other hatches are hard. Will a fiberglass/gel coat shop be able to repair that one SOFT hatch? Or what are my options there? Thanks!

 

[efx]

If you give the hatch to the shop, they should be able to remove the rotten core and then add new core and reglass. This is an issue that most shops have seen many times, especially in Florida boats. The rule of thumb here is keep the hatch edges sealed so water doesn’t get in. Check out the deck hatches over the fuel tanks. They typically get wet and drip on top of the tanks with this red brown liquid that Roy’s out the tanks. That’s a bigger job.