Gel Coat Repair 101 - Part 1

Follow along and learn how to repair common types of damage to the gel coat layer on the hull of your dinghy.

Gel coat is a thin protective layer that is applied on top of the fiberglass core of the hull. You can think of it this way: if the hull is the chocolate inside of an M&M, gel coat is the candy-colored shell. Keeping the gel coat layer intact is very important to the long-term health of any sailboat. If water is allowed to creep into the fiberglass core, it can soften the material and rapidly reduce the structural integrity of the boat.

We, of course, understand that all sorts of things can happen to a dinghy throughout a typical day of sailing. Dropping the transom onto the pavement is pretty much guaranteed to happen. It’s OK! It just means that learning how to repair gel coat can prove to be an essential skill and key to maximizing the lifespan of your boat.

NOTE: Always make sure you are accompanied by someone experienced in working with marine chemicals and power tools before attempting any of these projects.


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