[Threejakes]

Last fall, I backed the trailer into the front peak, just at the waterline of the Mariah. It left a gouge about 3/4" deep, and about 4" long right at the peak where the two sides come together at the front. I filled the gouge with epoxy, and left it harden all winter. Now, it is April 1st, and I start to think it's about time that I finish repairing the damage, and spray on some gelcoat. Last fall, I ordered some spray-on gel coat from Mini-Craft of Florida. He said that the only color Ivory he had was from a 2001 Mariah, [mine is a 2000] so I ordered it any way. Well, after sanding and cleaning with acetone, I sprayed on the stuff he sent me, and it was a perfect match! The old girl looks like new!!

[ShabahZ250]

Good for you! Thanks for sharing your experience!

Do you have any photos of the process or the finished product?

[Threejakes]

Thanks--Here is the finished product. Unfortunately, I did not take any before pictures.

[drnil73]

Looks like there was never any damage!Great job! Well done!

[Threejakes]

Thank You ! I think the fact that I left the epoxy shrink all winter, and then sand it to the shape of the peak was the secret. It is important to clean the area with acetone. In the instructions that came with the gel-coat repair kit, it states that you should clean the area with acetone and NOTHING else! I was careful to clean only the area that would receive the gel-coat. I was really surprised that it turned out as good as it did. There was some scrapes on the underside of the hull that were down into the fiberglass too. I used the same method on those too. It was hard to apply the gel-coat under the boat, because you are working upside down, and in between the bunks of the trailer. I am waiting 'till I get the boat in the water to see if there is any discoloration of the repaired area.

[WetWilly]

Hi Threejakes,

You know, from your pics, I bet there wasn't any damage and you're just fooling with us..... but seriously, that's an awesome job, looks like new!

As for "working upside down", ShabahZ250 can relate to that all too well! Look here (note to self, keep mouth shut while buffing).

Yup, my turn is coming up soon, got a few marks to deal with too,
WetWilly