Re: [Paddlewise] gelcoat keel repair

John March wrote:
>> With the gelcoat worn away aft of the skeg box, it is reasonable/OK
>> to lay a glass keel strip over the area, including over the gelcoat
>> on either side of the worn area. No fiber damage, but putting a bit
>> more gelcoat down doesn't seem like more than a temporary fix. 

There's nothing wrong with putting a layer of glass over it, but the
epoxy layer will have to be protected from UV.  Not much of a problem
with normal paddling, but transport/storage could mean more UV than
it should get.  Varnish or another layer (gelcoat?) with UV inhibitors 
would help if exposure is anticipated.  However, the glass will 
eventually become exposed due to wear and tear.

Another option is to cover with a layer of high density polyethelene
(HDPE) and use it as a low-friction layer and as a sacrificial layer.  
The trick here is to find a suitable adhesive.  You'll possibly have
to repair the gel coat one last time to provide a base for the HDPE,
depending on how lumpy the surface is.

One option I'd prefer is to try mixing some Cabosil or other silica
powder into an epoxy (or gel coat?) mix and put that on.  This will 
produce a hard wearing layer.  You have to get the stuff on right, 
since sanding the stuff after it hardens is a pain.

Personally, I'd replace the gelcoat.  Quick to do, low in risk and it
will last long enough to me - I touch up the gel coat every year or
so anyway.  As a sailing friend once said - that's what gelcoat's for.

Mike

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************