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As my subject states, this is my first restoration so please excuse my lack of expertise. I need to ask a few questions as I begin this project and if I am asking anything that may be already answered on this site, I welcome the info on the thread.
First, if you go to my personal page you will see pics showing my initial concerns. When I removed the rub rail, I noticed areas of damage. What would be the best way to repair? A good filler or a fiberglass patch?
Should I fill holes and patch before beginning the sanding or sand first then patch?
There is a light blue stain on the deck on the port side starting at the beam and working its way toward the stern and transom. What could have caused this and is there any reason to be concerned?
Finally, there is a small area on the deck at the port beam and near the side wall which feels a little spongy. Again, is there any reason to be concerned?
Before you do any patch work, the areas of concern need to be ground down to the original fiberglass hull, All paint and gelcoat need to be removed, then you can patch with mat, woven roving etc. to suite your needs, then ground down smooth, covered with marine bondo, sanded smooth and then finished. There is much info on the process available on this site. If you don`t have one, buy a 4" angle grinder with the appropriate grinding disks, a Sander will never do it.
Nice boat. With a little work it will be a GREAT boat. I'm not sure, but I'm thinking the blue that you see is the original glass showing thru. As for the damaged area in the third and fourth pic, I would fill the holes and then wrap some glass over the area to make sure there will not be any separation later. That won't be easy to cover up, but I think it will be worth it. Others that have done it will have more experienced advice, but that's my .o2.
Welcome,
Mike
