How to Patch a Hole in a Fiberglass Boat

Did your fiberglass boat develop a hole? Never fear, all is not lost: with a few simple steps, your boat will be as good as new. Just follow these steps. You will be able to patch a hole in a fiberglass boat in no time.

Things You'll Need

• 120-grit sandpaper
• Palette or putty knife
• Power burr
• Popsicle stick
• Brush
• Wax paper
• Gel-coat
• Acetone
• Paste wax

Instructions

1. Clean with acetone the area that needs patching, and sand it with 120-grit sandpaper. This removes any dirt or damaged fiberglass.

2. If the hole or crack is large, make it even larger with either a knife or a power burr.

3. Thoroughly clean the area with acetone, making certain it is free if dust, dirt, or anything else that could prevent the patch from being effective.

4. Mix gel-coat according to the product's instructions, and apply to the hole/crack with a palette knife, ice pop stick or putty knife. If the damaged area is shallow, you might be able to apply the gel-coat with a brush or your finger.

5. Cover the gel-coat with wax paper.

6. After the gel-coat has hardened, remove the wax paper, and lightly sand it until it is smooth. Curing time for the gel-coat will depend upon the thickness of the application. Read the manufacturer's instructions for this information.

7. Apply a coat of paste wax. This helps the gel-coat to cure completely.

8. Use acetone to clean the tools you used to make the repair.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time. Patience is a virtue, especially when working with gel-coat.

• Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when mixing gel-coat.

• Work in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from the fumes of the acetate and the gel-coat.

• Wear a dust mask and protective glasses when sanding fiberglass as the resulting dust is harmful both to your lungs and eyes.