www.iFourWinns.com

Noticed a fairly large chip on the bottom of the boat this weekend after I got it on the trailer (about half the size of a dime). Probably caught a nail or something sticking out on the lift we rented for the weekend. It took the gel coat off--right down to the fiberglass. Any suggestions for a decent patch I can put on there?

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

For a better chance at good color match, a fiberglass shop can order gel coat from FW directly based on your year/model. For a quick job or one where a mismatch won't be visible, West Marine has this.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Thanks Mike. I am looking for something temporary until I can get it fixed correctly in the off season. The West Marine patch might be the ticket.

Is there any danger leaving it exposed until the end of the season? I am going to have the boat in the water for a week straight while we rent a floating house. Would a little white or clear silicone help anything?

Just looking at my options. I am 3 hours away from my boat--so time for repairs is sometimes not easy.

Thanks again.

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

I'm no 'glass expert, but I would think silicone would only interfere with the real patch later and require more grinding out of the good fiberglass to get rid of the residue. Is this below the water line? It sounds redneck (because it is) - but if it's above the water line I would consider cleaning the area well and putting a piece of clear packing tape over it to get you by for a week. If below the water line, I don't know of a good solution.

The issue is that the unprotected 'glass will absorb water, and can't be properly patched until it's completely dry - so the wetter it gets, the longer it's going to have to sit on the trailer before it can be fixed.

I once slipped the boat at a marina where they did no maintenance on their docks. Nails and rusty bolts sticking out everywhere, etc. I went and bought 3 more fenders just to get us through that ordeal, and will never slip there again. Also, as of this past weekend, my boat became 3 hours away too (actually closer to 4) so I can appreciate your predicament.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I personally wouldnt worry about a week. I know there is some wicking that can occur, but after the week it will be on the trailer and any wicking that may occur would dry.

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

It is definitely below the waterline and I am sure it must have been a rusty nail or something sticking out on the lift (and--yes, I won't be docking there again either).

So funny Mike--my kids suggested duct tape (what could be more red neck than that?).

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

I would use an epoxy putty stick. I sticks well, dries quickly and dries hard. It can be applied under water.
West Marine's can be found at http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=50223
There are several other makes.
Do not worry about your repairs interfering with subsequent professional refinishing, a good repairer will de-wax and grind the area to remove contaminants.
This video shows how to use epoxy putty sticks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv8Us7iEll0

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

+1 they have the factory Four Winns colors. I used it on a scratch on my previous boat and you cant tell it ever happened.

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

+2 on Spectrum .... worked GREAT for me.

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2000 268 Vista

+3 on Spectrum - I must be slipping, I completely forgot about them.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Picked up a package of Marine Tex Rapid Set to patch for the time being. Hoping I can put it on first thing Saturday when we get to the boat and be on the water in about an hour. Let me know if anyone has any experience with this. I'll make it pretty during the off season.

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/itw-rapid-set-marine-tex-epoxy-putty-2-oz.html

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

I haven't used it, but I would think it would be the ticket for what you're trying to do.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I'm in the same situation. Marine shop left open screw heads on trailer side bumpers and one went right into my gel coat. Check the picture below. It looks worse in the shot because it's a close-up. Would that simple West Marine fill do the trick?

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Four Winns 1996 Sundowner 205
5.0fi/SX engine (Volvo Penta)

If you can show that it was the marine shops negligence, make a claim and have THEM pay for the fix.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X