How to Repair Fiberglass Boat Transoms

Fiberglass boats are extremely popular with fishermen and recreational users alike. They have many advantages over wooden boats, including their durability and resilience to the elements. Over time, exposure to air and sea water can wear away the glossy painted finish on these boats, while minor collisions and damage can cause dents and dings to the fiberglass transom. Fortunately, it is relatively easy for the average boat owner to repair minor damage to the transom before it becomes a bigger problem.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Resin-based putty
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Epoxy resin and hardener
• Fiberglass cloth
• Acrylic epoxy paint
• Paint brush
• Gel coat

1. Fill any voids, holes, or dents with a resin-based putty. Use your putty knife to apply a liberal amount of the putty to each required area of the transom. Allow 24 hours for this material to dry.

2. Sand the filled areas until they are smooth and level with the rest of the boat's surface.

3. Use a paint roller to coat any areas you've filled with a thin coat of epoxy resin and hardener. Prepare and use this mixture in a well-ventilated area.

4. Apply a layer of fiberglass cloth to each patched area. The fiberglass cloth will stick to the epoxy resin coat you just applied.

5. Wait 24 hours for the epoxy coat to dry to ensure the fiberglass cloth is firmly in place. Sand each area until it is smooth and level with the remainder of the transom's surface.

6. Apply a coat of an acrylic epoxy paint to any sanded areas. To restore the boat's original shine, follow up with a layer of gel coat, available at marine stores.

Tips & Warnings

• While touch-up paint will work well for smaller areas, consider having your boat repainted by a professional if you've repaired any large areas. Another alternative would be to remove the existing paint from the entire boat and repaint it to achieve a uniform color and finish.

• Have your fiberglass cloth ready to apply immediately after applying your epoxy. Do not allow the resin to begin drying without applying the cloth.