The gel coat of fiberglass boats will need regular washing and waxing, especially if your boat is exposed to saltwater. If you do this and service the engine at regular intervals, your boat should run relatively hassle-free. However, it doesn’t guarantee you won’t eventually need repair. When the time comes, should you try DIY or get a professional to help you?
What To Choose
Most boating enthusiasts are passionate about their hobby and love working on their boats, but sometimes you need a professional to ensure reliable and trouble-free use. Using a boating mechanic is a good idea because more often than not, they’ll have years of experience and a lot more tools at their disposal than you do. Not only that but wouldn’t you feel more comfortable using a technician who has certifications from professional bodies? Using a quality boat service might be more expensive, but it also means you can rely on guaranteed artistry.
Dealing With Fiberglass Repairs
Fiberglass is a flexible and robust composite that’s cheaper than wood and metal, has anti-corrosive and anti-rust qualities and is lighter than steel or wood. This makes it a popular material for use in boats, and a fiber gel coat of fiberglass is usually moulded to each boat in one piece (for the hull) whereas with other materials the shell would be made of various parts.
Because it’s a material that’s easy to work with, you might want to deal with everything from structural defects to small scratches yourself. While it might be possible, matching the gel colour, cleaning the area before you apply anything and using a grinder or drill with sanding attachment without creating more damage is challenging. It’s why it’s better to choose a professional to do it.
Instead, keep inspecting your boat for scratches and cracks. Stick to your cleaning routine and keep a calendar of service intervals. If you have as much passion for cleaning as you do for sailing, then you’re bound to have many pleasurable moments on the water – and experts like Extreme Fiberglass will take care of the rest.