Need recommendation for finisher to do minor hull repair

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willbchap

GreatGrady Captain
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Jun 21, 2010
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I've been lurking here for a while, and really appreciate all the advice and information this forum provides. I have been on and around Gradys since I was 5 years old, and was recently gifted my Grandfather's '93 Explorer 244 which he purchased new. I have spent a lot of time on that boat and many trips up the bay from Norfolk to the C&D and everywhere in between. I have been away from boat ownership for about 10 years and needed to re-educate myself on the tips and tricks of boat maintenance now that I am responsible for this great boat. I was not expecting to be given the boat, so I had to catch up with the search feature pretty quick. So first off, thanks to everyone on this message board for the advice, especially Grady specific info.

I asked this question on THT, but think I'll get a better response here because of the boat and my location.

I have some damage on the keel from fitting a new trailer (link to the THT post: http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/292458-minor-hopefully-keel-damage.html)
and decided from the responses that I'm better off hiring a professional to fix the damage. The boat is in Richmond, VA on the trailer, but I don't have a tow vehicle currently, so I'm looking for someone local and maybe even mobile who can fix the keel. Thanks for your help.

BTW, I'm not new to message boards or clubs. I was in an organization of Toyota Tacoma owners, and after I sold my truck several years ago, I really missed the gatherings and discussions. I look forward to participating here and very happy to have my Grady White.
 
Give them some pics to look at without having to go elsewhere...
keel2.jpg

keel3.jpg

keel1.jpg
 
Your cool, just dragged the pics from the THT thread onto my desk top, uploaded into my Photobucket account, and viola...here they are!
 
Give Southeast Marine, the local Grady dealer, a call. They gave me the name of the fiberglass person they use a couple of years ago but I can't find it now.

Gary 93 Gulfstream
 
I buy most of my Grady-specific parts from them but use local people for service. I've heard nothing but good comments about service and support from Southeast. They've treated me very well. Parts guy is terrific.

Gary 93 Gulfstream
 
What's everyone's opinion on using the boat before I can get the damage repaired? I'm having a hard time finding anyone who can even look at the boat in the next 3+ weeks, and I want to use it before then. It won't be rough seas, probably wont be any beachings. Mostly cruising and some watersports while I shake down a few things and get it ready for some real trips.... like for rockfish. My assumption is that since it structurally fine, just gelcoat damage, it should be fine, but I don't know if the fiberglass will absorb water. Sorry for the dumb questions. I promise to ask smarter questions next time. HA
 
Will,
If you want a real quick fix to seal the area, fill the damage with 5200...not a thick layer but enough to seal off the exposed glass. Your repair guy will be able to remove it and do the proper repairs once you can get him to your boat...
 
I'm no expert but I had an open crack in a repair right at the water line on my old boat. When I spoke with a repair guy, he said that water can infiltrate the fiberglass and cause more cracking/flaking. Also, it would have to sit for some period of time to dry out before he could do the repair. I just pulled the boat out of the water and waited for him.

Gary 93 Gulfstream
 
just get a kit of your favorite epoxy, sand the damage a bit and apply it over the damage with a plastic applicator....thicken it up a little with cabosil (like kecthup consistency) to stick upside down.....if its only a week or so, should be fine....if longer, put some paint on it to keep the UV from turning it yellow and weakening it....the damage is mostly gelcoat/cosmetic....the glass guy will probably do the same...maybe add a layer of matt, and then finish it nicely.....it will be waterproof and tough with epoxy.
 
Bob,

I like the idea, and have some 5200 in the garage, so I'll give it a try. Thank you.

I also have some 4200 as well. Should I use the 4200 since it may flex a little more?
 
willbchap said:
Bob,

I like the idea, and have some 5200 in the garage, so I'll give it a try. Thank you.

I also have some 4200 as well. Should I use the 4200 since it may flex a little more?
Click to expand...

Either one. Just give it a couple days (48 hours) to cure all the way through...
 
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