Gel coat worn off from keel strip - advice pls!?!

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    Posted: 22 Oct 2014 at 8:27pm
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Hi All,

I am after some help/advice please. I have found a boat I am very keen on buying and all looks good except of a strip along the keel approx 50-70cm long near the bow. This area is completely missing the gel coat and you can see the fiberglass. Along with this there appears to be wear either side of the keel out towards the first strake each side. It looks like it has been sanded back - possibly from a lot of beach landings?

The boat has not been in the water since last summer and has been garaged. There was no evidence of an blistering, gel coat dis colouring, etc in this area - but I'm no expect on any of this.

I would like to know if I should be concerned/walk away? If I am up for a massive repair bill or if I can sort this myself? What cost is involved?

I am keen on the boat but not headaches if thats what this will be. Some work is fine but not big bills...

Thanks in advance!

Here is a pretty poor pic of it...


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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Brad76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Oct 2014 at 9:33pm
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If it's worn all the way to fibreglass it will have taken on water. How much has it taken on?
The hull I am repairing at the moment had taken water and although all looked ok I cut the floor out to check and the water had got in and started breaking down the fibreglass. So unless you are prepared to do a lot of work, walk away.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThatKiwiFella Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Oct 2014 at 10:18pm
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Thanks Brad. I've no idea of telling how long it's been that way or anything but I guess even a short period is concerning.

One thing I did notice and wasn't sure about was a small drain hole in the floor of the small cabin up front. The cabin is moulded fibreglass and in the corner of the floor was a small fitting. Originally I thought it might be a drain? So that the area can be drained to the bilge. Now I think maybe it's for air flow/breathing?

Is there any noninvasive way of ascertaining possible damage? Or a very minor invasive test?

I was hoping this boat was going to be the one!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote viscount Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 4:22am
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See if you can take it off the trailor and tilt to one side, you will see if there's more exposed fibers. To fix the keel and your handy I would resin the keel up then run a strip of 6or8oz Kevlar, or buy a keel guard from the states, they come in various lengths.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote jetfisher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 8:43am
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Hi There, give Steve a call at Pennington, based in Glenfield . Had my ski fixed there recently, did a great job.



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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote notalloyit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 9:02am
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Anyone who treats a boat like that, should be reamed by a pineapple, that's not accidental, just mistreatment, you'll be in for a ocean of pain in repairs and i would day long term water damage internally.

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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThatKiwiFella Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 9:15am
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Thanks for the info JetFisher! I gave Steve a call and he is happy to help. I'll fire him the photo and he will get back to me. They also do a pre-purchase type inspection but are a bit busy at the moment. Will be interesting to get his thoughts.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Brad76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 7:14pm
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http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/1975-16ft-fleetline-cabin-boat_topic104203.html

Have a look at photos of the hull I am doing. It's not a hard job but it is time consuming.
Same deal on this one, previous owner not looking after the boat, had scraped through to the glass and decided that urethane was a good enough fix.
Didn't stop water getting in and breaking down the fibreglass under the floor.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote ThatKiwiFella Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 7:25pm
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Cheers Brad - interesting read. I guess it is possible that I am in the same boat (so to speak)... 

The upside (a bit like your situation) is that the price I have agreed on is about what the motor alone is worth - the trailer is mint condition, new colour fish finder and a handful of good accessories so some repairs is probably not over capitalising... Although the extent of any damage under the floor is unknown making the repair an unknown. I'm fairly handy at most repair/fixit type stuff but haven't fiberglassed before so that could be something to learn.

I'm waiting to hear back from Steve Pennington about his thoughts and also they do prepurchase style inspections which might be a good call...

Thanks again
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