Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Gelcoat Repair-Fuel Tank Cavity
Posted by VA Whaler on 04/05/16 - 7:20 AM
#1
The fuel tank cavity on my 22' 1979 Revenge has hundreds of small blisters and popped blisters where water must have sat for long periods of time. Likely before the former owner installed a drain between the fuel tank cavity and the fish locker. Fortunately there does not appear to be any damage other than cosmetic but I want to keep it from getting any worse. Its in an area that nobody will see so I'm just looking for a functional repair to keep water from causing any additional problems below that drain pipe.
For those of you who have been down this road before what do you recommend to clean up those areas of damaged gelcoat? I'm thinking about just sanding it all down and covering it with a layer of fiberglass resin but am totally open to suggestions.
Thanks!
John
Posted by gchuba on 04/05/16 - 7:35 AM
#2
John,
The material/compound of choice used locally on the waterfront for repair/sealing is "Splash Zone". If you do not care how it looks. It adheres to gel coat but gel coat does not adhere to it. I found a binder/primer for gel coating over it.
Garris
Posted by VA Whaler on 04/05/16 - 7:45 AM
#3
OK sounds good, Garris. I will look that up.
I wonder if the neoprene strips would bond to it. That would be my only concern. I know they don't recommend bonding the strips to the poly tank as the expansion/contraction and the material itself is not very conducive to securing them.
Posted by Phil T on 04/05/16 - 12:52 PM
#4
Does the blister go all the way through the gelcoat to the fiberglass?
If not, don't worry about it.
If it does, use Marine Tex.
Posted by VA Whaler on 04/05/16 - 1:05 PM
#5
Phil, I want to say that it does. I have not really dug around to see how deep they go (sort of afraid of what I'll find :) )but I can see black specs. If you don't mind taking a look and advising
I'll email you a photo of what I'm referring to.
Thanks!
Posted by VA Whaler on 04/05/16 - 2:10 PM
#7
Uggghhh...The dark underside of my project boat. :) If the rest of the boat looked like that I'd have run away from it a long time ago. That black thing at the bottom of the fuel tank cavity is the drain tube (along with the 10 pounds of sealer they used) leading from the aft end of the fuel tank cavity to the fish locker.
Not sure when they put that drain in, but you can see what years of standing water (and who knows what else) will do to gelcoat.
Edited by VA Whaler on 04/05/16 - 2:12 PM
Posted by Blackduck on 04/06/16 - 8:02 AM
#8
I would treat it like it were a hull, use an epoxy barrier coat and make appropriate repairs.