Does this gelcoat need to be repaired??

Searayguy185

Member
Jul 17, 2017
87
Wisconsin
Boat Info
2004 Sea Ray 185 Sport 4.3 V6,

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport
Engines
Mercruiser 4.3 V6, Alpha 1 Generation 2
I wanted to get people's opinion on if this repair is necessary or more of a cosmetic repair. I keep the boat out of the water on my trailer 90% of the time. A few times a year I'll go on a vacation where it's kept in the water a few nights. Thanks for your responses.
IMG_4252.JPG
IMG_4253.JPG
 
Yes, You need to have that repaired... If it were mine, I would do it myself, but I've got some experience already.

One option would be to install a keel guard.
 
Yes, You need to have that repaired... If it were mine, I would do it myself, but I've got some experience already.

One option would be to install a keel guard.
If i put a keel guard on, do you think the repair needs to be done or could i put the guard overtop?
 
If i put a keel guard on, do you think the repair needs to be done or could i put the guard overtop?
I would probably seal it up with something like 3M's 5200 and then apply the guard... those guards glue on and should seal it up, but I would like the double protection.
 
Really......?

I've never seen a keel guard put on the chine of a boat, and, if I am looking at the photos right, that is where the damage is.

Saving money on a repair is one thing but this is actually a more expensive idea than just fixing the boat the right way. A 6ft Keel Guard kit costs $160 + $20 for a tube of 3M 5200 and you have spent $180 for an ugly patch when a proper repair would probably cost $150.
 
Really......?

I've never seen a keel guard put on the chine of a boat, and, if I am looking at the photos right, that is where the damage is.

Saving money on a repair is one thing but this is actually a more expensive idea than just fixing the boat the right way. A 6ft Keel Guard kit costs $160 + $20 for a tube of 3M 5200 and you have spent $180 for an ugly patch when a proper repair would probably cost $150.
I received two quotes from two different places by me and one was $500 and the other is $600. I feel like it should only take someone a couple hours.
 
Ouch. Wow what caused that? Not judging, I just want to be educated.
Two separate hits loading the boat on the trailer hitting the crossbar. At that point realized that my trailer was missing the black plastic protector piece that would prevent the boat from striking the metal crossbar. Expensive lesson.
 
Get it fixed. Keep the quotes you received and contact them both in mid-January, when business is slow and the xmas cc bills start rolling in...
 
That's not on the chine, it's along the keel, just the angle of the picture. I agree with Frank, not a big fan of keel guards, they do the job, but I think they are ugly. Plus, that needs some level of repair even if you were going to go the keel guard route. Note sure I would tackle this one if it were my first, but it's a DIY repair - $500-$600 seems a little steep unless there is something we aren't seeing.
 
Really......?

I've never seen a keel guard put on the chine of a boat, and, if I am looking at the photos right, that is where the damage is.

Saving money on a repair is one thing but this is actually a more expensive idea than just fixing the boat the right way. A 6ft Keel Guard kit costs $160 + $20 for a tube of 3M 5200 and you have spent $180 for an ugly patch when a proper repair would probably cost $150.
I knew it was the keel from reading this post earlier:
http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/keel-hitting-concrete-boat-launch-when-loading.84119/
I just threw the keel guard out as an option that he could do himself... as I said, I would fix the gel coat properly myself.
 
+1 on all the "needs to be repaired" responses. The repair area will get bigger than just the exposed damaged seen in the photo because you need to grind it back until good glass with no voids are found. If you're not familiar with that work you should definitely go to a pro. This is not an area of the hull that short cuts should be considered.
 
thank you everyone for your time. I will get fixed.
 
If you're at all handy, you can do it yourself with a Spectrum Gel Coat repair kit. Comes color matched and is very easy to do. If you've ever done any bondo work or drywall repair, it's pretty much the same. $30 for a jar (it might take 2 jars for your repair) and $10 in assorted sandpaper and you will have a like new boat.

I had a similar experience with mine. Coming in to load and boat next to me gunned their engine, throwing a wake at me causing me to get off center. Ended up hitting the side of the winch post and gouging a big piece out of the bow. I ordered a repair kit the next day and had it repaired to like new the next weekend.
 
I wanted to get people's opinion on if this repair is necessary or more of a cosmetic repair. I keep the boat out of the water on my trailer 90% of the time. A few times a year I'll go on a vacation where it's kept in the water a few nights. Thanks for your responses.
View attachment 50575 View attachment 50576
Fix it properly it will cost around $500-800
 

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