Divot repair

Slayer · #1 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008

I have a small 13" Chrysler Pirateer. It is an old boat that I got pretty cheap. I sail it in a small lake in my backyard. There are a couple of small, but pretty deep divots in its hull above the water line. I see not blistering around them so I don't think a lot or any water has gotten under the surface.

This is an old, inexpensive boat, so I am looking for a cheap and quick repair, if nothing more that will last this season. What should I fill the divots with?

ereuter · #2 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008

I would get some West System epoxy+hardener and some of their colloidal filler. Mix the epoxy and hardener according to the directions, then add filler until it's the consistency of peanut butter. Use a putty knife to fill the divots. You can sand it afterwards and paint if you like.

I'd recommend the fast drying hardener for this application, or it will take forever to set up.

Eric

Zanshin · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008

I've never heard the term "divot" used in the same sentence as a sailboat, so I have this visual image of someone whacking at the hull with a 9-iron.

LakeEscape · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Another sailor with strong emotional battles. It's a beautiful day, do I go sailing or do I go play golf? I joined a self help group to deal with this problem. We meet regularly at a bar between the marina and the first tee.

LakeEscape

RestlessWind · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Your "divots" really can't be all that big on a 13" boat. You might try a piece of bubble gum as long as they are above the waterline. Oh, and keep your sailboat out of the kids swimming pool when you're playing golf.

arbarnhart · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

I strongly recommend against fast hardener when filling a cavity because of the heat produced. Epoxy still sets up in about the same amount of time even when there is a large amount. I build a pirogue (like a canoe) and I put about a pint inside each point with 12 hour hardener and it was solid the next day. That's a common technique for building sea kayaks and I thought it sounded like a good idea. After seeing my kids ram the dock a couple of times, I am sure it was.

I have some generic "epoxy thickener" that was sold as a silica alternative that is great for that type of repair, but so is silica. Be careful to try to scrape it smooth and leave yourself as little sanding as possible.

BTW - ask around about whether or not the polyester repair kits would work for this. I don't know. But they are cheaper and easier to find.