Easy Boat Deck Repair

Boat deck flooring generally is made of fiberglass, much like the hull. Cracks and scratches on the deck should be repaired so that water does not penetrate the deck's interior. Apply gelcoat sealer to the deck for a simple repair.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Screwdriver Putty knife Gelcoat Paper plate PVA Polyester Curing Agent Plastic scraper 150-grit sandpaper 400-grit sandpaper Sanding pad Cloth
Screwdriver
Putty knife
Gelcoat
Paper plate
PVA Polyester Curing Agent
Plastic scraper
150-grit sandpaper
400-grit sandpaper
Sanding pad
Cloth

Step 1

Prepare the scratch or crack on the floor by opening it up with the end of a screwdriver or a putty knife and create a V shape.

Step 2

Open the container of gelcoat and place a small amount on a paper plate with the putty knife.

Step 3

Add a couple of drops of the PVA Polyester Curing Agent to the gelcoat and mix it with the putty knife.

Step 4

Apply the gelcoat to the crack or scratch with the plastic scraper. Make sure the gelcoat is completely covering the crack or scratch.

Step 5

Allow the gelcoat to cure or dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 6

Secure a piece of heavy 150-grit sandpaper to a sanding pad and lightly sand the gelcoat. Sand only the gelcoat and not the existing deck surface.

Step 7

Secure a piece of light 400-grit sandpaper to the sanding block and sand the gelcoat using a circular motion until the gelcoat blends into the existing deck.

Step 8

Clean the area with a damp cloth to complete the project.

Tips & Warnings

The gelcoat will begin to harden in about 30 minutes once the curing agent has been added. Use a gelcoat coloring agent to match the gelcoat to the color of the deck.

The gelcoat will begin to harden in about 30 minutes once the curing agent has been added.

Use a gelcoat coloring agent to match the gelcoat to the color of the deck.

If you do not thoroughly mix the curing agent, areas of the gelcoat will not properly harden.

Resources

Article Written By Cameron Easey

Cameron Easey has over 15 years customer service experience, with eight of those years in the insurance industry. He has earned various designations from organizations like the Insurance Institute of America and LOMA. Easey earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history from Western Michigan University.

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