chafing on gel-coat

Paul I. · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2011 11:40 am

I just wanted to see how other boaters are protecting there gel-coat & bounce this off the group.

I never had this problem before, but all my past boats had retractable cleats with a built in rub rail. FW as we all know(I think, I don't know all there boats), uses a fixed cleats that is recessed mounted. So now the lines are closer to the hull.

I keep my boat on the slip all season, which is causing chafe marks on the gel-coat at the bow, midship & aft cleats.
I could install rub rails, I have seen "sheep skin" used on the lines. They even make a stainless steal (paper thin) wear pads. My wife came up with the idea of transparent contact paper, which may not hold up. On that train of thought, I have seen a transparent "rock guard" used to protact your car/truck fenders. I am thinking of using that. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Auto-ATV ... t104389380

Any thoughts??

Lazy Daze · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2011 12:48 pm

I used those before on my truck and they started to "yellow" after a few years. Not sure if it was the result of road tar or not, but something to keep in mind.

BoaterDan278 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2011 7:51 pm

Paul,
If there is a decent way to attach the stainless, I would use that product. You will only need to buy it once in the life of your boat and you are not taking chances with yellowing, or peeling. I see some people go through the base of the cleat and then over, as opposed to over and then through. More line contacting the hull = more chafing. I am interested in seeing the stainless gaurds. Dan

Winter Sux · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2011 9:02 pm

I'm with Dan, go with stainless. Plus it will cover up the little bit of "ugly" already there. I'd go with Sikaflex to stick it on. If applied properly, both of them will outlast your boat

John

Paul I. · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2011 9:17 pm

Here is the link to the stainless pad: http://www.nowearguard.com/

I have used it, the double sided tape rises it a little. It can cut you.

The chafe marks buff out, but over time it may not!

ric · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2011 10:01 pm

Hit it with the high speed buffer for a few seconds. Will look like new again.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Thu Dec 08, 2011 9:10 am

ric wrote:

Hit it with the high speed buffer for a few seconds. Will look like new again.

You are right, I have been just buffing it out by hand at the slip. I take it that this has not been a big problem for other boaters. I was hoping to get other ideas and work from there.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Dec 08, 2011 8:17 pm

Gel coat is thick it's not like paint. You can really get on it don't be scared, you'll never eat through gelcoat with a foam pad and buffing compound. I picked up my buffer at harbor freight for $30. Foam pads are around $10. One pad per color. You think your boat shines? Hit it with 3M marine polish and see what happens.

www.iFourWinns.com

chafing on gel-coat

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