Fixing Scratches on a Blue Hull

[wardski]

We had one nasty 6 ft. long scratch on the side of our M that was pretty deep. It was one big long white line down the side about half way up the hull (not going to go into how it got there). I took a blue sharpie (permenant marker) and stuck the tip in one end and ran along the entire length.

What a difference!!

The color isn't an exact match but it is pretty darn close. Tried a second "coat" but then the color had a purple tinge to it. Pretty easy way to cover the scratches, now will just have to see how long it will last before it needs to be done again (or maybe it won't have to be done again - after all, it says permanent on the pen)

[Shane]

wardski,

Blue gelcoat repair kits will also allow you to get rid of the 'gouge' and get a smoother surface as well. I don't know if all dealers carry it, but I know BWY does because there was one included in with the boat when I bought it.

Regards,
Shane

We had one nasty 6 ft. long scratch on the side of our M that was pretty deep. It was one big long white line down the side about half way up the hull (not going to go into how it got there). I took a blue sharpie (permenant marker) and stuck the tip in one end and ran along the entire length.

What a difference!!

The color isn't an exact match but it is pretty darn close. Tried a second "coat" but then the color had a purple tinge to it. Pretty easy way to cover the scratches, now will just have to see how long it will last before it needs to be done again (or maybe it won't have to be done again - after all, it says permanent on the pen)

[kmclemore]

... and remember, if you're going to do gel coat from the outside, as in this case, then you *must* seal off any air as it cures. Saran Wrap works well for this. Gel is made to cure best in the absence of air... it will not cure properly if allowed to cure in the open... and you'll be left with a sticky bit of gel that attracts every bit of dirt.

[MacShales]

Gents:

New skipper here, and yeah, I'm just another engineer!! After Maiden voyage, we had an argument between the bottom of our hull and a slipped skid board on the trailer, OUCH!! and then a fairly long bolt-head gouge below the water line. Does the simple Gelcoat repair approach apply to this. It's amongst that wonderful anti-foul paint. We're lake sailors currently (Okanagan Lake) in BC and so we won't be seeing salt water for a while.
Thanks, Brian

[pokerrick1]

I think blue hull scratches fix faster

Rick

[MacShales]

Yeah, yeah, so your point is that I should just use clear gelcoat repair stuff instead of worrying about the blue colour. Point taken.
Good sense of humour though!!! [/quote]

[Bawgy]

Yes the blue gelcoat cures 12% faster than white