New to Jet ski need info on scratch repairs. cheers

[fromtheuk]

Hello all I have a gtx limited 215 think its 2014 (red charcoal), anyway I managed to hit a mud patch over the weekend and got it stuck big time we had to push it along mud and sand, (thank god it still worked) I didn't think to much of it until I got home and realised a scuff on the ski, this scuff is above the bumper thing that runs round the ski so no way have I done it pushing it through sand but have no idea how it got there, this made me go on a bit of a mission looking round the ski for marks and I found a few I'm concerned about, underneath has scratched ranging from surface to what looks like the shine has gone and one I'm really concerned about where I can see what I presume is finer glass also there are a few around the hooking eye at the front, should I be concerned about anything like these. Can anyone recommend something to get the scuff one out, if it was a car I would use T cut can I use that?






Thanks

 

[mkov608]

Did you mean fiberglass? I understand your concerns. I purchased two used skis and there was some damage to the bottom on both skis; some was cosmetic, and some went all the way through the gelcoat. It cost me $1,200 to fix both skis, but now they look like new. I live in FL, so there are many experienced gelcoat repair shops here.

As a rule, any damage that goes all the way through the gelcoat (where you can see fiberglass) needs to be reparied; if you don't, water can get into the fiberglass; the fiberglass will wick up moisture and will cause more severe damage. Gelcoat is pretty tough, so for those areas where you have lost sheen, a good polish or wax will usually work.

 

[fromtheuk]

Did you mean fiberglass? I understand your concerns. I purchased two used skis and there was some damage to the bottom on both skis; some was cosmetic, and some went all the way through the gelcoat. It cost me $1,200 to fix both skis, but now they look like new. I live in FL, so there are many experienced gelcoat repair shops here.

As a rule, any damage that goes all the way through the gelcoat (where you can see fiberglass) needs to be reparied; if you don't, water can get into the fiberglass; the fiberglass will wick up moisture and will cause more severe damage. Gelcoat is pretty tough, so for those areas where you have lost sheen, a good polish or wax will usually work.

thanks, I live in Brisbane so anyone know of anyone around here?
Also is this any good?
http://www.magicezy.com

 

[Dannyjd]

Where in Brisbane are you mate?
Best place to go is Arnold's at Hemmant.

 

[Dannyjd]

My bad, you don't mean Brisbane Australia

 

[fromtheuk]

right brisbane mate. what price am i looking at?

 

[Dannyjd]

No idea mate, give them a call.
I know they aren't cheap, but they are the best

 

[Dannyjd]

Arnold's Fibreglass Repairs P/L
Boat Builders
9 Gosport St, Hemmant QLD 4174
(07) 3890 1768

 

[Dannyjd]

Where about are you, there is a guy at Thornlands at the marina that isn't bad.

Beverage road, Thornlands

 

[fromtheuk]

im in the cbd pretty much. I tried ringing them but got no answer, id like to know the rough cost so I can shop around as I have no idea about stuff like this.

 

[fromtheuk]

so i got quoted $800 for the one scratch haha not happening so Im going to have a go myself I'm going to buy this kit http://www.gelcoat.ca/index.php?p=product&id=64&parent=144
to fix this scratch

its only 15mm long and looks to have not damaged the finer glass, has anyone got any tutorials I have done a search the good one I found was a full hull repair Id like one on scratches, also when sanded and polished will it be visible?

 

[fromtheuk]

actually can anyone tell me of a gelcoat repair kit in black that matches sea do that doesn't have to get shipped from canada? it costs 3 times as much just to ship it here

 

[3ftDeep]

I'd stick with Gelcote International products, as they're the ones who make the Sea-Doo gelcote. As always, I'm sure you can find a Gelcote dealer outside of Canada who sells the kit at a fraction of the price we Canadians pay for it, even though it's made in Canada. Never use our postal our courier systems, as they base their rates on what they would charge if their staff were all heart surgeons. Here's a link to the Canadian product, in case you need it: http://www.gelcoat.ca/index.php?p=product&id=64&parent=144

 

[devonte007]

Can't help you much with locating fairly priced gelcoat in AU, might try to go around to local marinas and other shops that repair fiberglass and gelcoat and ask if you could purchase some from them. They may even custom color mix a batch for you. At the very least they could provide you with their supplier. I'm sure these shops have a way to get gelcoat for a reasonable price or they would find it hard to stay in business.

I have done gelcoat repair to my boat and found it very easy to do if you have the proper materials and do the correct prep. It is almost like mudding drywall, as it is very thin, and you apply several coats and sand it down to blend. For deep gouges you can even use shiny clear plastic report covers tapped in place to help hold the gelcoat in while it cures.

Here in the US gelcoat is cheap to buy, you can get a quart shipped online for about $20 with hardening liquid. Before you start look up info in the web and search for youtube videos that show how it's done. That's how I learned. If you screw up you can just wipe it off with acetone or sand it off and try again.

There were a few posts from some time ago about gelcoat repair so try searching the forum. If you have any other specific questions post back and I'll do what I can to help you out.

I have also heard of folks using marine epoxy to fix small scratches like yours. It can be sanded and buffed like gelcoat so may be a viable option. Have not tried it myself though. It may be easier to find and it is usually black in color. Honestly, since it is below the rub rail having a perfect color match should not matter that much since it is hard to see. If you go the gelcoat route, remember that gelcoat changes color slightly with exposure to the sun. I noticed that my white patches were 'whither' than the surrounding gelcoat, but 1 season of sun blended it all together and the patches are imperceptible now.