We were bowfishing saturday night at whitney and were heading back to the ramp when we ran up on some rocks from a point that went way out. We were not going very fast, 10-15mph.
The hole looks more like a crack than anything and is about an 1 1/2 in long. I couldnt find any other places where the fiberglass was punctured.
How good are those kits they sell to fix fiberglass? Do I need to put paint over the spot once it is patched? Any help would be great as I have never fixed a hole in fiberglass.

Oh yea the boat is a 1993 Cajun bass boat, fiberglass hull. Everyone was ok and the prop just got a little nick on 1 of the blades. We did shoot some good fish that night and had a good time except for the hole in the boat.

West Marine sells a fiberglass kit.

I would take it to North Texas Fiberglass. You will be $$ ahead in the future by haveing a proffessional and lasting repair. I have seen too many amature DIY repairs turn in to lifetime problems. Just my $.02

I agree take it to North Texas Fiberglass and like Mike fix it.

I have never met Mike in person, I know several guys who have including one of my fishing partners. They are tell me that he is a "stand up" guy! I would guess that his personality would probably look at your situation, size up your mechanical skills, either make an offer that will fit your situation or make some suggestions that will allow you to fix your boat yourself and save some money (in the hopes that a serious fiberglass job would definitely end up in his shop should you ever need it!). At any rate, since you obviously have never done that kind of work before, then I would suggest you put on your most "humble face" and take the drive to see Mike. My guess is that you come back and make more Pro-Mike posts like the many before you.

Blushes from all the flattery.


Thanks guys!

Funny, I'm sitting here waiting on some resin to cure on my tractor cowling that cracked.

Depending on your mechanical ability, it's something you can definately do yourself.

But if it's not done right, it WILL lead to problems.

Thing is, it's real easy to read directions, mix the resin and slap it on. But if it's not prepared correctly you run the risk of it coming apart while on the water. If it's wood hull, any wood left exposed will eventually rot and lead to an even larger problem.

So if you feel good about doing it, go for it. If you don't, let a pro do it.

One thing about fiberglass repair on a boat is you have to fix it from both sides! When it cracks it will spider web out and you have to grind out the cracks on both sides or you will be having more problems in the future.

Lot of difference in a cosmetic repair on a cowling and a boat hull that gets pounded by water...IMHO
I doubt your tractor is in any danger of sinking.

Unclemilti, I think he was purveying that very message himself. If you don't know what you're doing and feel unsure then take it to a pro, I believe is what he was saying?

I have done many repairs on my boats over the years and learned a lot by trial and definitely "by error". I know enough that without seeing the damage first hand, not to make any recommendations to someone on this matter because they can definitely make matters much worse if done wrong.

Yea that's exactly what I was saying, "If you don't know, go to a pro".

I just found it ironic that I had just sat down to wait on some glass to cure.

I have worked with glass for several years now, and Bullet is right on, if the whole is all the way through the hull you have to repair it on both sides, and preparation of the area is important.

Sorry if anyone misread my post.

Thanks for all the replys.
We got to looking at closer yesterday and its no where near as bad as I was expecting. looks like mostly just paint missing but a few cracks in the glass but no actual holes i can see through.

I have a friend that works in the car audio business and builds alot of custom fiberglass boxes and enclosers that is going to help with it. He also said the same thing as yall about fixing both sides.

Do yourself a favor and at least take it to someone who knows what they are doing and have them look it over and make a recomendation.

Please take this advice!!!
I tried to repair a boat one spring and it came apart the following Feb on Lavon. I swam far longer than the doctors said I should have been able to with the water temp being what it was.

I don't know NORTH TEXAS FIBERGLASS, but he should be able to give you an honest opinion.

If you take it to NTF, Michael will look it over and tell you what it needs. He's not afraid to tell you to do something yourself if it will save you some money and not cause any problems.

I haven't met Mike either but I'd like to. I want more storage up front. But it wouldn't hurt to ask a pro. my 2 cents.