I noticed last year that the gel coat was worn on the keels. I can see the fiberglass, but it doesn't seem worn. What is the best way to repair? Should I apply a coat of epoxy with filler, or lay glass over it? The damage doesn't appear bad and that it only needs to be covered.
Dan
Dan,
I think some Epoxy / filler will do a good job for your situation. I did that same repair on my old H16 a few years ago, using West System Epoxy. Epoxy isn't the easiest thing to sand, so don't expect to put it on thick and then carve it down to shape. Try to get the first thickened coat applied in the general shape of the original keel. You can go back and fill in any defects later. Epoxy doesn't hold up to sunlight, so you'll have to paint it. I was able to find spray paint to match my boat and the repair wasn't very noticable at all.
Jack
Ace Hardware, if you have white hulls go with a product called PC-11. It is an epoxy. Easy to work with. Dries white and is tough as heck. I have been using PC-11 and PC-7(grey) for years.
If you beach your cat alot like I have all my life, epoxy is the way to go. It is tough to sand, but that is a good thing when you are on a beach all the time.