Boat Repair Myths vs Facts

MYTH: A small crack in the gelcoat is always just cosmetic.

FACT: Some gelcoat cracks may be cosmetic, while others can be associated with stress, impact, movement, or damage beneath the surface. The cause and extent need to be evaluated before deciding what repair is appropriate.

MYTH: If a soft spot in the deck is small, the damage underneath must be small too.

FACT: The area you feel at the surface may not show the full extent of deterioration underneath. Opening and inspecting the area can reveal more than is visible from above.

MYTH: You can always tell how extensive fiberglass damage is just by looking at it.

FACT: Not necessarily. Sanding and preparing a damaged area can reveal damage that wasn't obvious during the initial inspection.

MYTH: Fiberglass and gelcoat are the same thing.

FACT: They serve different purposes. Fiberglass is part of the composite structure, while gelcoat is the outer surface finish commonly found on fiberglass boats.

MYTH: If the gelcoat looks good again, the fiberglass repair is finished.

FACT: Appearance is only one part of the process. When fiberglass itself is damaged, the underlying repair needs to be addressed before the exterior finish is completed.

MYTH: All cracks in a boat should be repaired the exact same way.

FACT: Cracks can have different causes and depths. The appropriate repair depends on what's actually happening in and beneath the affected area.

MYTH: A fiberglass repair is just filling the damaged spot and painting over it.

FACT: Depending on the damage, a repair can involve removing damaged material, preparing the area, fiberglass work, fairing, sanding, and finishing.

MYTH: You should wait until spring to have your boat repaired.

FACT: Repairs can be planned during the off-season too. Taking care of known damage during fall and winter can help avoid trying to schedule everything right before boating season.

MYTH: If an impact only left a small mark, there can't be additional damage.

FACT: The visible mark doesn't necessarily tell you everything about what happened beneath the surface. Impact damage should be evaluated based on the actual affected area.

MYTH: DIY fiberglass repair kits are the right solution for every fiberglass problem.

FACT: They're suitable for some applications, but fiberglass damage varies considerably. The materials and repair method should match the type, location, and extent of the damage.