Types of Damage Addressed by Fiberglass Boat Repair in Texas

December 30, 2016 12:14 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Fiberglass boat repair in Texas is generally a matter of “when,” not “if.” Boats age or scrape against docks, which results in damage that must be addressed. When that occurs, this is not a problem to ignore. Failing to take care of your fiberglass surface can lead to more serious problems, which can render your boat useless. Here are the four types of damage we address at our shop:

  • Tear: A tear frequently occurs after a collision with another boat or a stationary object, like a dock or a large rock. The impact produces damage through the laminate surface and through to the fibers. Tears are never just through one layer, and they are rather serious. If it is possible to repair them, it can take a while, since there are several steps to reinforcing the area of impact.
  • Punctures: Smaller rocks and branches cause punctures after impact. Also called holes, they are the result of a concentrated amount of force in one small space. Many punctures only get through the surface layers, which makes them easier to repair. However, if the object makes it all the way through your boat hull, there is a good chance that you are facing an extensive repair bill or even a total loss. Punctures and holes are smaller than tears, but can often be just as serious.
  • Crushed core: Even when the laminate layer stands up to the impact, there is still a chance that the core layers of fiberglass are compromised. Usually the result of a lighter blunt force, these may appear to be indentations with no surface damage. Customers often assume that the damage is merely cosmetic and fail to realize it actually weakened the fiberglass. That can leave you vulnerable to hull breaches and put you in a dangerous situation on the water.
  • Delamination: This is a separation of the layers within the fiberglass. While force can be involved, this is often the result of too much UV exposure or failure to maintain surface protection with rinse, gelcoat or wax. Older boats that are nearing the end of their useful life may start to delaminate, too, especially if they are stored outside and not under cover.

When you bring your boat in for repair, we will inspect and identify the type of damage. Once we determine the nature of the damage, we remove the damaged material and prepare the surface for patching. Final steps include laminating and inspecting the final repair. As mentioned, some of these steps are often repeated depending on the extent of the damage.

We also offer an honest assessment of whether a repair is worth the expense. Deep tears and punctures on areas where the boat faces the most stress may breach again, even with a well-executed repair. Sometimes, it is not possible to restore your boat to original condition, and we will let you know if that is the case.

Northwest Fiberglass Inc. has offered fiberglass boat repair in Texas since 1997. Call us today to set up an appointment.

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