TOPIC: 1969 Bell boy - Hull repair?

Hello all!

I have a 1969 Bell Boy "beachcomer" in very good original condition. SweetPea has some hull damage from being beached over the years. I don't see any holes, just worn gel coat.
Anyone have any suggestions for a DIY product to use for repairs?
Much appreciated!
JK

google wet dry 700 for an kevlar - feldspar reinforced epoxy paste. apply to damage. Cover with plastic and smooth / fair the epoxy through the plastic. Next day, peel off the plastic. Surface will be as smooth as the plastic (probably smoother than the surrounding gel coat). The prime and paint the area (perhaps even using a can of spray paint from the hardware store). - paul

could you use one of those stick on rubber strips (forget what they are called)that protects the bottom from sand and rocks.

ken

woosterken wrote:

could you use one of those stick on rubber strips (forget what they are called)that protects the bottom from sand and rocks.

ken

Hi Ken, are you thinking of KeelGuard? (or one of the other brands) Think I'd still want to seal the area with something first, just to make sure! The stuff Paul posted looks interesting, or use conventional epoxy/resin/whatever suits ya.
www.epoxyproducts.com/data700.pdf

Looks like a pretty standard Gelcoat repair to me. Sand the area with 80 grit sand paper, wipe down with Acetone then use a Preval Sprayer,

www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/product.do?part=3676&engine=adwords!6456&keyword=product_ad_2155&type=pla

thin some GelCoat with 10% Styrene and spray on about 3 coats. Sand, buff and polish. You can do the whole repair in about 3-4 hours.

Thanks paul, The wet dry 700 seems interesting but i think the solution is to go with something a little more conventional.

Thanks Ken,
Yes, i looked into the "keelguard" but it won't work with the rollers on my trailer

MarkS,
I have a pretty good idea how the system works. I have just a few questions if you have time:
should i fill the scrapes with fiber mat and resin before the gel coat treatment?
If I do fill them, how much dry time do i allow


Thanks you,
JK

your probably want something nicer, but a common 'wear protection' is epoxy mixed with sand (rock against rock!). when it wears down, just re apply. Of course, this this is more for drag ashore small fishing boats not concerned about looks.

I'm no expert by any means JK, but I'd probably just use thickened resin for those. (They don't look very bad/deep.) A little chopped csm (kitty hair) if you like wouldn't hurt anything either. The plastic film method Paul mentions might also save some sanding time. You should be able to proceed the next day with paint or whatever you choose to refinish with, additional "layers" could be applied shortly after it "kicks", but I've no experience with applying fresh gel coat. (Probably the best method!?)

MyFlamingo - Thanks for all the good info, i will post the results if the desired result is acceptable

MarkS - Thanks for your help!

Thanks for all the great advice from everyone! Now it's time to get to work.