How to fix this ding *pic included*

It feels solid. Doesn't seem to be taking in water. The crack is about 8 inches or so

The hobie 16 is a 1979.

Let me know your thoughts on how to fix this. I am handy with fiberglass and paints


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Patrick

Hobie 16
Hobie Getaway

If this were mine, I would sand down the gelcoat in the area of the damage. Also a bit larger than that by about 3-4 inches all around it. Inspect for hidden damage such as delamination past the point where it appears to end. You will have to sand or grind the damage down a bit and taper it so that the resin/glass has an area to bond to. Lay up the glass work. Don't worry about building up too high, because when it has all set up, you will go back over and sand it all down to the original contour. Spray on gelcoat. Let it cure. Sand it down. Polish. Sail.

If you need a bottom job... Now is the time! Same procedure.

Awesome! That seems doable. Maybe I will do a bottom job while I am at it. I have no experience with gel coat, will I need to color match it? If so what is the best way to get a color sample?

Thanks for the replies

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Patrick

Hobie 16
Hobie Getaway

You'll have a hard time matching the faded yellow. That boat's not the same color as when it was new.

Good call. I think I'm going to patch it up for the season then refurb both hulls this winter. Bottom job. Ding repair. New gelcoat.

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Patrick

Hobie 16
Hobie Getaway

Not sure about your access to pigments but I picked up a yellow and ivory to attempt to match our off white hulls.

Edit: btw, we got the pigment here: http://www.mertons.com/Additives/pigment.html

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Jonathan
'85 H16 __/) 87468 Tidal Wave

You can buy gelcoat pigment, but you're on your own with matching the colour.

I got close with my beige hulls, I used some yellow, red, brown and black.

I played around with a very small quantity to get it close, before trying with a larger batch. I made sure to keep some white to tone it down if I went too dark by mistake.

If you click on the pic in my signature, you'll spot the patches.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Well, the boat will get a lot of love this winter, but until then I am OK with a little discoloration. I may be in over my head, but I plan on re gel coating the entire hulls come september.

...Unless I magically nail the faded yellow color with pigments

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Patrick

Hobie 16
Hobie Getaway