bow gelcoat worn thin

looks as if the loading and unloading of my boat for 25 years has worn the gelcoat on the keel, near the bow down to bare glass. Anyone else have this? Im building it back up with gelcoat now. I guess it will take a few days to get a good base to where I can sand it down to shape again. Its gotta be a 2 foot "stripe" right where the boat first contacts the trailer. (yes there is good carpet on it-maybe its too abraisive?) I suppose it is just from use, but of course, a real PITA to fix. Very time consuming. At least I dont have to worry about matching the color too closely!

When I purchased my '93 SN, it had a keel protector installed. I removed it, but I imagine you could just put this on your boat and not worry about the gelcoat. I imagine the protector was installed to protect the keel while beaching the boat (something I never recommend).

Make sure you remove any wax, sand the existing gelcoat/fiberglass with 120 grit paper before applying new gelcoat. Make sure you apply well past the area the that is worn, otherwise, you will sand through when trying to blend the new into the old. When sanding, go this order in grit: 120, 220, 320, 400, 600, 800. You should use tracer at least up to 400 grit. You can polish out (machine) after 800, or go higher (hand) if so inclined.

Good luck.

Try putting a little ivory liquid or something similar on the carpet from time to time....it makes a great difference in loading and unloading....be warned....do not drive up the ramp without hooking the bow eye if you do this.

There is a company in Fla...can't remember the name , but could easily find it again on a search...They sell small spray aplicators and can match colors and have many colors in stock for correct craft...if your work does not hold up...you could spray it!
I will find the web site and post it.

That is a great site! The final coat just went on. I dont think I am going to buff it out yet because Im skiing as soon as I can tomorrow! Going to try and teach the wife. I may be looking for a replacement (wife) by tomorrow night! LOL

Jim_In_Houston wrote: Hey trike - wifes may come and go but take care of that boat!!!

from a man who has clearly had more than one...WIFE!!!

and for the record? a woman would never say anything like that! (at least not on a website so that it could come back to bite her in the a$$!)