Epoxy fill on gash to topsides

[steved]

Hi all,

We have a few pretty good gashes on the hull of our SO49 with a blue hull. They are on the topsides, not under water.

On a couple of them, you can see all the way down to the weave.

I'm pretty handy with epoxy (WEST System 105/205 and fillers) from many other boat building projects (kayaks, rowboats, etc...) and am wondering if I can just add some epoxy and filled epoxy into the gashes to seal them up.

Would that work to protect the hull? Or do I need to use polyester and such?

I'm not that worried about getting a super smooth finish, and am able to get a pretty reasonable surface. I'm more worried about having the weave exposed to the elements and want to protect it. I could probably add some gelcoat repair on top of it later if I want.

Any insights would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Steve

[sitara]

I have used epoxy in similar situations, especially a couple of anchor nicks in the bow.

[Charlie-Bravo]

Epoxy will stick and do the intended job, as will a bit of polyester filler from the automotive shop, either way a strip of electrical insulation tape stuck to the hull by one edge just below the hull damage, which can be quickly rolled up over the ‘wet’ epoxy/filler, makes for a flattish repair, rather than a protruding drip needing trimming later on that seems to occur with gravity.

CB

[steved]

Thanks to both of you. Good to hear that it should work.