Gel coat repair - damage from removal of underwater lights


toofast

toofast

Active member
When removing my ocean leds, i did this damage.

my new lights will go right across the damage, so i must do something to fix that. my buds are giving me all kinds of advice, but i trust you the best. i am also concerned it needs to be PERFECTLY flat or i will never get the new lights sealed

options my buds shared:

fill it with 4200
fill it with 5200
use marine tex
use any gel coat repair
hire a pro, it has to be perfect

what do you all think....

20200229_125434.jpg
 
I think Marine Tex will be just fine. It is easy to work with, readily available, reasonably priced and waterproof. You're going to be covering it with another light so you just need a flat waterproof surface. I see no reason to drop the money on a pro if you are confident on doing the repair yourself.
 
yep i think i was just worried can i get the marine tex perfectly flat...but i think i can...so that is my approach unless others have more exprience
 
Agree, apply Marine Tek (MT)and sand flat. Apply more coats if need be and use block of wood and sand paper or flat vibrating sander.

Only problem I see with original install is the wire feed thru hole was not drilled properly. The feed hole should be drilled larger then needed. Fill hole completely with MT, then drill required hole thru MT. This will seal the transom core from moisture and anything else getting into the bilge. Mount LED using 4200 so it will come off easier next time.

After lights are installed, use barrier coat then bottom paint
 
I would remove any loose parts or glass matting, sand a little with some 100 grit paper including inside the hole thru the transom. Then wipe clean with acetone. Get some fiberglass resin and paint/spread resin over the raw glass and in the hole. Sand smooth, bottom paint and then start all over with new install. You can also put some fiberglass Matt in the hole and resin it in.
 
Hit it with 36grit and skim coat with 3M premium filler ( green container ) sand till smooth and fair. Then mix up some gelcoat and spray through a prevail sprayer call it a day...
 
Jedd,
You can use a single edge razor blade to apply the Marinetex. It is a lot neater and you can control exactly where it goes. good luck
 
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