How do I fix these small scratches and this tearing?
Posted by nevetz1911@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 5 comments
I am looking to fix these little problems that have been there for way too much time. The first one is an infinite amount of scratches around the cockpit, they are barely noticeable both to the eye and to the touch. I was thinking that spray gelcoat could be enough?
The second problem is a much more noticeable rip in the same area, no idea what is it. I was thinking about using some plastic filler which would be later sanded and painted using masking tape.
Any suggestions? Sorry for some terminology but I'm no native speaker
Strenue@reddit
The gray is a gasket. Looks like you have a navpod or similar- call them up and ask to buy a new one.
Spraying gel coat is not easy. Suggest 3m heavy oxidation and a proper buffer - then go lighter until it’s all gone. Might take an hour or two.
whyrumalwaysgone@reddit
The gray is just a bead of sealant, scrape it off, mask it, and reapply. Probably a Sikaflex or Lifeseal, use a more UV resistant one.
The gel scratches try the orange 3M compound and elbow grease. If that doesn't work (too deep), wet sand with 600 grit, then 3M compound
FairSeafarer@reddit
If they are scratches and not cracks in the fiberglass, VIM or CIF cream cleaning product will do the trick. Otherwise, you could buy a gel coat repair kit.
erittainvarma@reddit
As the main sail is attached to that stand, these cracks might be due it flexing a bit and over time gelcoat cracking, instead of them coming from scratches. So they might reappear quite fast again.
For the gray area, my first guess would be that this is some sort of two part construction and that is to cover the seam. No idea what material it is though. But why it is cracking might be again the main mast deforming it a bit + sun.
Anyway, while you are fixing the area, I would recommend screwing the instrument panel off and looking inside just to make sure everything looks good and to check if that top crack actually lets water inside there.
There is a pretty active Bavaria owners forum at https://www.bavariayacht.org that might have better information for you.
nevetz1911@reddit (OP)
Thank you, all very useful information. There is water leaking from there for sure. I wasn't aware of the forum, I'll definitely post there too.