Painting the Bottom Bow V

[krizm200]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for your expertise. My Mako 15 has some paint removed on the bottom front V point. No open holes that I can see, but I want to fill it in and paint it so it looks a bit nicer. I have done some auto body work, but not boat repair. Can I just paint the unpainted sections? Do I need to fill and sand first? How do I match the paint? I would appreciate any help. I won't start the project until spring, it's a bit cold to start painting now, so I have some time, but want to prep as much as I can.

Thanks!

[snappergapper]

I would sand the area and use 3M filler. Sand that off to fill any pin holes. Sand around the area with 80 grit and hit with paint or gel-coat. Matching the color will be the hardest part.

[Sailor]

The typical repair is to grind back the gel coat, fix any damaged areas with glass, then re-gelcoat. You want gelcoat in that area not paint but you will probably need to tint it to match.

[krizm200]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try the 3M filler, sanding between coats. I can apply the gel-coat after. Anyone know if gel-coat comes colored? The Mako 15 is white. To match the color with the gel-coat, do I add marine paint to it?

Appreciate the help.

[snappergapper]

Is it white or is it off white, Oyster white or Hatteras white? I found a gel coat tinted from James Town distributors in a Oyster white that is darn close. That is what I use. If you want a perfect match Mincraft in C Florida has it but it is around 240 per qt.

Sand the area to expose good glass. The filler is there to level out the area and to seal it up. Sand till smooth. Only need one application. Then you can brush the gel coat on. Light light coats applies in three directions with a bit of kick time in between each direction.

[krizm200]

Now that is the question (on the color). I'll have to figure that one out. No idea what type of white it is, so I guess I could get color pallets and figure it out. This one, and painting my Merc Thunderbolt 800 will be my summer project!

Thanks for the help everyone! I'm sure I will have more questions when the work is started.