How would I fix an crack on small fiberglass boat.?

Question

I have a boat like maybe 8-12 feet long and I'm pretty sure it is fiberglass and at the end of it and where it meets the bottom, there is a little gap where water leaks in it. So how would I fix it.

Answer 1

Most boats have a wood transom at the stern, inside the fiberglass.  If you have an outboard attached to this boat, it needs to be fixed right before you run it - water will have infiltrated and the transom will rot, your motor will end up at the bottom of the lake.  

Otherwise, look for a product called Marine-Tex fiberglass putty, it's the greatest thing since choke plates.

Answer 2

GO TO A MARINE STORE AND GET A FILLER FOR FIBER GLASS ASK THE MAN THERE WHAT HE RECOMENDS  ITS AN  EASY FIX  THERES TO MANY TO NAME JUST ONE TELL HIM THE SIZE OF THE CRACK AND WHAT HE THINKS WILL WORK BEST

Answer 3

First you have to stop the reason for the "crack". It could be "too much motor" was used, or some other flexing problem. Make sure that the cracked area is not being stressed.

Then, before you repair the crack, you need to stop the crack from expanding. Ever seen a windshield get a rock chip, then a few days later there is an expanding crack radiating from it? Fiberglass can do the same thing. What you need to do is to "stop drill" the existing crack. This is nothing more than drilling holes larger than the crack itself at each end. That will stop the crack from expanding. Then "vee" the crack (just gouge it out) and repair with a polyester resin product. Bondo makes a small size can you can buy at most auto parts stores. Get the fiberglass filler, and be sure to prep the repair area as instructed on the can.