Fiberglass & Gelcoat Boat Repair

Repairs, Restoration & Delamination

Over time and with use, surface scratches, stress cracks, impact cracks, and gelcoat chips can occur. It’s important to fix these issues to protect the hull’s integrity and prevent water intrusion, which can lead to hull delamination in certain areas—often costly to repair. We prioritize using fiberglass rather than filler for repairs to reinforce the structure and help ensure cracks don’t return. Our specialized technicians can match your boat’s gelcoat color so repairs are virtually invisible—for maximum customer satisfaction.

 

Delamination

Fiberglass delamination can be caused by several factors—most commonly water intrusion and impacts. The areas most often affected are the transom, the deck near the windshield, and engine mounts, because these locations have the highest risk of water intrusion through many installed fittings (e.g., gimbal ring, trim tabs and cylinders, GPS/depth transducer, swim platform mounts, etc.). Our experienced technicians will restore the strength and reliability of your boat’s structure so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Hull Treatments

Antifouling paint contains biocides that help prevent aquatic organisms from attaching to a boat hull. Bacteria, silt, algae, barnacles, mussels—over 25,000 aquatic species have been recorded attaching to boat hulls. By preventing—or at least slowing—this buildup, antifouling paint helps avoid speed loss and added weight caused by accumulated growth. Another major benefit is that antifouling paint can help reduce the transport of organisms from one body of water to another, slowing the spread of invasive species such as zebra mussels. There are several types of antifouling paint and many color options.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisalissure

Osmosis Treatment

Osmosis is part of the aging process of a fiberglass boat hull (also called polyester). It occurs when the gelcoat allows water to penetrate the fiberglass laminate. A chemical reaction can then occur between trapped water and polyester components, creating an acidic substance. This tends to build pressure under the gelcoat, which appears as blisters on the hull surface. A hull affected by osmosis requires intervention to stop the chemical process (hydrolysis) and prevent the structure from weakening further. To do so, trapped water behind the gelcoat must be released and the fiberglass thoroughly dried to evaporate moisture. Then the fiberglass and gelcoat are repaired, the hull is coated with an epoxy sealer to create a waterproof barrier, and the process is typically finished by applying antifouling paint.

Our specialized technicians are highly qualified to perform osmosis treatments, extend the life of your boat, and give you peace of mind.

Polishing

Polishing is an important maintenance step that’s often overlooked. Ideally, polishing should be done every year. It helps prevent oxidation and preserves the finish and shine of the gelcoat. Several steps may be required to restore a boat to its original appearance, depending on its condition. A heavily oxidized gelcoat may require wet sanding, multiple polishing stages, and finally the application of a protective sealant to guard against UV rays and abrasion. A boat with a sparkling gelcoat will make any boater proud!

Designs, Modifications & Bow Thruster
Installation (bow thruster)

Whether you want to extend or modify your swim platform, update living spaces, build access steps, redesign your dashboard, change seating layouts, or bring any other idea to life, our specialized technicians can deliver fiberglass projects to your full satisfaction—so you can get the most out of your boat.

Bow Thruster Installation (bow thruster)

Bow and stern thrusters (stern thruster / bow thruster) make docking and undocking easier in wind, rough weather, or strong currents. One advantage of installing a bow or stern thruster after the boat is built—rather than at the manufacturer’s factory—is that you can choose the thruster that best fits your needs. Are you looking for performance? Speed? What are your usual boating conditions? Thruster installation is an art: it’s not enough to simply cut a hole and insert a tunnel. Precise shaping around the tunnel is required for optimal performance. No two thruster installations are the same—each one is unique. Did you know a bow thruster isn’t only for “large” boats—and it can significantly increase your boat’s value?

Our specialized technicians are masters of bow and stern thruster installation.