Fixing Deep Gouges in Gelcoat / Small Holes / Etc.

[plusoneten]

Hey all.

I've been restoring a 1978 checkmate trimate. I gutted it and redid the floor, and now I am working on redoing the transom.

I used epoxy for the floor, but I feel like i should use polyester if i fix anything on the outside - supposedly epoxy sticks fine to poly, but polyester doesn't stick to epoxy.






Ok - so heres the problem.

There are a few small holes in the transom, where the previous owner installed a speedo.

Also, there are a few gashes in the boat, that go right through the gel coat - they are about 1/4 inch deep!






How do i thicken the polyester resin, or is there a specific type i need to use? It will need to be thick so that i can patch the holes on the bottom of the boat without it dripping.

Also, how do i go about matching the color of my boat? It is a metallic blue/gray color (mostly blue, but its kinda faded).

Are there any 'color codes' or anything that i can use to find the correct color? Does checkmate still have information on how to mix the colors they used in the late 70's?








I figure i cant glue the transom on until i fix the speedo holes... dont want epoxy leaking through. Since the're tiny, its not really important that they are perfectly color matched or anything.... but since there are several large gouges, i would like to get the patching process figured out anyways, plus it would give me some practice for the larger gouges.





I figure that if i am able to mix up some poly filler with the right color and consistency, i will just be able to fill up the gouges and smooth them with a putty knife... leave a little extra and then sand off the rest.







Let me know what suggestions you all have.
If anyone knows any tips for color matching a unique matallic blue color, let me know.



Thanks

-Allen

 

[Rob B]

Those holes on the transom skin can be sealed from the inside using a mat and resin. For the outside depends if you gonna re gelcoat the boat or paint. Use polyester resin if re gelcoating or epoxy resin if repainting. Call Mike @ Checkmate give him your HIN off the back of the boat. He can tell you what color the gelcoat is and where to get it. There's a place down in Florida that can duplicate all the orginal gelcoat colors. http://www.minicraft.com/

edit: you can use these to repair those gouges and try to match the color: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...t&i=20315&str=gelcoat+repair+kit&merchID=4005

 

[plusoneten]

thats exactly what i wanted to hear... matching the color myself didn't sound like fun...


ill be getting a hold of checkmate soon.



thanks



ill post pics once i get the chance.