So you’ve discovered a sizable gaping hole in your fiberglass boat. Don’t panic! With the right materials and techniques, you can repair fiberglass holes and get your vessel shipshape again.
As an avid boater, I’ve repaired cracks and fractures. Whether the damage resulted from a collision, stress cracks, or general wear and tear, fixing holes in fiberglass boats involves largely the same process.
In this DIY guide, I’ll walk through foolproof tips to repair large holes in your prized pontoon or speedboat.
What You Need to Repair Large Fiberglass Holes
Before wielding that resin can, assemble the necessary gear:
- Abrasive pads or sandpaper (80-100 grit)
- Fiberglass cloth (10-ounce cloth is suitable)
- Epoxy resin (polyester or vinyl ester resin works too)
- Disposable brushes and roller
- Scissors
- Painters tape
- Acetone
- Mixing containers
- Stir sticks
- Protective equipment (gloves, goggles, mask)
Step 1: Prep the Damaged Fiberglass Area
Start by cleaning dirt, grease, wax, and other contaminants from the injury site with acetone.
Then, using 80-100 grit sandpaper or an abrasive pad, scuff up the gelcoat surface surrounding the hole by a few inches.
This rough area, known as the wetting surface, allows the patching compound to bond tenaciously.
Vacuum away all dust and debris. Then wash the sanded fiberglass with a Silica and wax remover to eliminate any residual contaminants. Let the surface dry completely before repairing.
Step 2: Cut Fiberglass for the Patch
Next, put on protective gloves and goggles. Measure the hole, adding 2-3 extra inches on all sides to determine the patch dimensions.
Using sharp scissors or knives, cut the fiberglass cloth to size.
I recommend a 10-ounce cloth thicker than the original hull.
A patch that spans slightly beyond the hole perimeter not only restores structural integrity; it also distributes stresses better. This prevents future cracking.
Step 3: Mix the Epoxy Resin
Follow the epoxy instructions to combine the resin and hardener in a disposable container. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes with a paint stick until thoroughly blended.
I recommend a slow-curing formulation which provides more working time.
Pot life will range from 20-60 minutes before the mixture hardens.
Step 4: Saturate the Patch
Next, using a disposable brush or roll mohair, completely saturate the fiberglass cloth with epoxy resin. Ensure full penetration—any dry spots will air pocket later, compromising structural strength.
Once saturated, use a plastic spreader to smooth any wrinkles or bubbles from the cloth. Then immediately position the patch over the damaged area.
Use painter’s tape to secure all edges.
Step 5: Apply Epoxy Over the Repair
Generously brush the thickened epoxy resin over the surface of the patch. Work from the center toward the outer edges so air bubbles and excess epoxy have somewhere to escape.
Use firm pressure and make sure ample epoxy seeps through tiny cloth pores, fully saturating every square inch of fiberglass underneath.
Let gravity and pressure sandwich the fiberglass cloth between the damaged fiberglass and fresh epoxy.
As the resin starts to kick off, press firmly with a plastic spreader to eliminate any trapped air pockets before hardening occurs.
Remove the painters tape promptly after smoothing the cloth.
Step 6: Apply Final Coats of Epoxy
Once the initial epoxy has hardened (check product instructions), mix a small batch of fresh epoxy without any fillers.
Generously brush 2-3 more thin layers over the patch allowing proper cure time between coats.
These final layers protect the fiberglass cloth from water intrusion and chemicals that could degrade the repair over time.
Step 7: Fair & Finish the Patched Area
After full cure (at least 48 hours), use 80-100 grit sandpaper to sand the patch smooth and flush with the surrounding hull.
Sand just deep enough to remove any surface bumps—not deep enough to penetrate the cloth.
Finish by applying primers, fillers, or gelcoat finish coats to protect the repair and restore an attractive appearance. Lightly sand between finish coats for proper adhesion.
And that’s it! Properly repaired holes should regain full strength and perform reliably for many more years on the high seas. Just don’t ram any more docks!
Repairing Smaller Fiberglass Holes and Fractures
For smaller cracks or fractures less than 6 inches, you can streamline these fiberglass repair steps even further.
Start by thoroughly cleaning and sanding the area just as before. Then use thickened epoxy alone to fill any minor fiberglass holes or cracks. Apply several coats allowing each batch to fully harden between layers until achieving a slight thickness above flush.
Once cured, sand any bumps smooth. Then brush on resin without fillers to seal the surface before applying primers, paints or gelcoat as desired.
==>> Read my full guide on repairing small holes in a fiberglass boat here.
Tips for Structurally Sound Fiberglass Hole Repairs
To guarantee restored integrity, keep these fiberglass repair tips in mind:
- Always roughen surrounding area larger than the hole itself
- Use fiberglass cloth thicker and stronger than the original skin
- Fully saturate cloth layers before applying
- Remove any trapped air pockets
- Fill voids with epoxy
- Apply a minimum of 3 layers of unthickened epoxy
- Allow ample cure time between steps
Preparing Your Boat for Launch
After a high-quality fiberglass repair, your watercraft is ready to cruise calm bays or conquer ocean waves once again! Just make sure to:
- Thoroughly inspect the repair
- Check for any pinholes, gaps, or soft spots
- Sand down uneven areas with 80-100 grit paper
- Prime and finish-coat the entire patched zone
- Reapply anti-fouling bottom paints
Complete these final steps, and your vessel should provide reliable performance for seasons of smooth sailing ahead!
You should also read my in-depth article about fixing any type of boat fiberglass holes here!
Need more tips on repairing a large hole in a fiberglass boat? watch this video by Sailing Vagabond Epicurean.
Final Thoughts
While this guide covers a step-by-step guide on repairing a large hole in a Fiberglass boat, each boat damage situation is unique.
If you have specific questions about your repair or run into any issues along the way, don’t hesitate to ask for advice in the comments section below!
I’m happy to provide extra tips to ensure watertight repairs anyone can accomplish at home.
You can use the contact form in the menu above, or email me at contact@boatgenesis.com.
