What materials do I need to repair my boat?

Repairing a fiberglass boat starts with choosing the correct materials for your specific repair. The type of damage, location, and original construction method all play a role. Below is a breakdown of the most common materials needed for a successful boat repair.

Resin

You will need to select the correct resin for your application:

Polyester Resin – Most common for production boats and general repairs.
Vinyl Ester Resin – Better strength and water resistance, often used for structural or below-the-waterline repairs.
Epoxy Resin – Excellent adhesion and strength, ideal for high-stress or specialty repairs.

If you are unsure which resin is best, review our resin comparison guide or contact our technical team for help.

Fiberglass Reinforcement

The type of fiberglass you use depends on whether the repair is structural or cosmetic:

Structural Repairs – Use 1708 biaxial fiberglass or heavier woven/biax cloths. These are often layered with chopped strand mat for proper bonding and thickness.
Cosmetic Repairs – Chopped strand mat or lightweight cloths are typically sufficient. In some cases, fillers alone can be used to repair small voids or surface imperfections.

Fillers

Fillers are mixed into resin to create putties for bonding, filling, or fairing:

Aerosil – Thickening agent for structural bonding and fillets.
Q-Cell – Lightweight fairing filler for easy sanding.
Adtech 14 – Versatile structural and fairing compound.
Milled Fibers – Adds strength for high-load repairs.

Catalyst or Hardener

MEKP – Required for polyester and vinyl ester resins.
Epoxy Hardeners – Always use the manufacturer-recommended hardener for epoxy systems.

Abrasives

Proper surface prep is critical:

Roloc grinding discs for heavy grinding
5" or 6" DA sanding discs for fairing and finishing
File board sandpaper for hand shaping

Rollers & Application Tools

Fiberglass bubble buster rollers to remove air and fully wet out fiberglass
Nap rollers or brushes for applying resin evenly

Safety & Cleanup

Gloves – Essential for hand protection (powdered and powder-free available)
Acetone – For cleaning tools and surfaces when using polyester or vinyl ester
Denatured Alcohol – Preferred for cleanup when working with epoxy

Mixing Supplies

Graduated mixing buckets or cups to ensure accurate resin ratios
Mixing sticks for consistent blending

Finishing

Once the repair is complete, the area will need to be faired smooth and finished with gelcoat or marine paint. See the next section for step-by-step fairing and finishing guidance.

If you need help selecting materials or estimating quantities, contact our technical support team or email orders@fiberglassflorida.com for faster assistance and larger orders.