10/29/2007 08:41:03 PM
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arctica
Member
Posts: 45
Joined: 05/24/2007
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My 1986 Gibson has been pulled for the winter and I found that the
gel coat appears to have worn away from the bow . I have attached
pictures. 
What can I do? I want to tackle this if I can. I had
planned on repainting the bottom before next season anyway.
I had read someones suggestion on another thread to add a layer or
two of glass to the keel if you beach your Gibson. We do
beach on occasion...5 to 10 times a year.
What do you all think?
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10/30/2007 04:48:56 AM
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stmbtwle
Admiral
Posts: 2142
Joined: 04/22/2003
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I'd let it dry out for most of the winter then glass as you plan. It's not that difficult. You might also look into a metal "shoe" to protect the keel which seems to be taking the worst of the beating.
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Willie She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
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10/30/2007 05:43:35 AM
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jimg
Admiral
Posts: 367
Joined: 08/13/2006
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Definitely let it dry out thoroughly first. The fiber
glassing can be done fairly easy. Read up on the method while it
dries out. stmbtwle had a good idea on the metal shoe too. You can
do it.
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Riverliver
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10/30/2007 11:09:16 AM
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TheJudge
Admiral
Posts: 282
Joined: 05/01/2006
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I too have a Gibson and though I once ran it up on some rocks(cost $1200) I would never intentionally run it up on even a nice pure sand beach. Even with a keel guard installed I would not do it because each time takes a little bit off the bottom like sandpaper. First you shorten the life of your bottom paint, then you work through your barrier coat allowing water to eventually penetrate your fiberglass and ultimately you may scrape through your gelcoat and then you are taking big bucks. Better to anchor just off the beach and get your feet wet or use a dinghy.
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The Judge Rules
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10/30/2007 11:20:30 AM
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stmbtwle
Admiral
Posts: 2142
Joined: 04/22/2003
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If beaching is a desired part of the boat's use, I'd add a couple extra layers of glass in the entire area where you see wear, just for protection. And check it frequently for damage.
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Willie She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
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10/30/2007 11:27:38 AM
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alreadygone
Admiral
Posts: 792
Joined: 02/07/2004
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Gonna have to agree with Willie and Riverliver. If you can't use as you wish why own it? while ut's out build up with mat&resin. Then if the water you boat in isn't too nasty to get in  , put on some goggles and check it occasionally.
Bob
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I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.
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10/30/2007 01:44:25 PM
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Sideways
Junior Member
Posts: 19
Joined: 10/26/2006
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Check out www.keelshield.com. It is not cheap but will allow you to beach with out damaging the gel coat.
Had my own glass shop for many years and used to take care of a lot of charter boats. There were some that I had to reglass the keels at least once a year. After discovering Keelshield we never had to do anything again. (Works great on jet skis)
Trick is to have everything very clean and warm. If you add more gel coat then make sure it has plenty of time to cure and gas off before glueing on the Keel shield.
Keelshield is not the only brand. It just happens to be what we used and liked in the Pacific northwest.
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sideways
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10/30/2007 02:47:59 PM
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BananaTom
Admiral
Posts: 968
Joined: 12/05/2006
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I had a product installed, we bought it from Donovans Boat Supply, it is a rubber keel pad attached with the glue they send, then several layers of 5200 around the edges. We put an eight foot and a 6 foot section on. We sanded the keel to the fiberglass. This was done so we could beach the boat on the beautiful sand beaches here in Pensaocla.
So far it is holding up great.
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Banana Tom
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10/31/2007 05:53:12 PM
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MILLERTYME
Admiral
Posts: 253
Joined: 02/20/2006
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something else you can do is pick up a product from West Marine call Marine-Tex. it is a 2 part epoxy you mix up and apply to your keel to build-up where your keel contacts the beach. The stuff is hard as nails and wont wear through like fiberglass. I used it for over 25 years on my cruisers and houseboats and it is great.(it also can be used to patch holes in fiberglass, or repair minor cracks in engine blocks or manifolds) apply it as directed and build up to about 1/4 to 3/16th of and inch and you are good as gold. where i boat at (ohio river) everyone that beaches swears by the stuff.
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UC FANS 1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme Port of Aurora IN
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10/31/2007 07:45:53 PM
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alreadygone
Admiral
Posts: 792
Joined: 02/07/2004
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Originally posted by: MILLERTYME
something else you can do is pick up a product from West Marine call Marine-Tex. it is a 2 part epoxy you mix up and apply to your keel to build-up where your keel contacts the beach. The stuff is hard as nails and wont wear through like fiberglass. I used it for over 25 years on my cruisers and houseboats and it is great.(it also can be used to patch holes in fiberglass, or repair minor cracks in engine blocks or manifolds) apply it as directed and build up to about 1/4 to 3/16th of and inch and you are good as gold. where i boat at (ohio river) everyone that beaches swears by the stuff.
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I'm a firm believer in " Marine Tex" also!! But I had no idea Keel shield was available in large enough part for a houseboat. Build up and close exposed glass with Marine Tex then install the keel shield or other product mentioned by tom.
bob
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I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.
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