Chip in swim platform

[dingleberry]

Part way through the day today, I noticed that someone had chipped the very back top corner of our swim platform. All I can figure is that someone carelessly smacked it with a ski or wakeboard. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on what I should do? Does this need Mr. Gelcoat Repairman visit?
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[dingleberry]

Not really sure why I asked this, it obviously does need a gel repair. I suppose a better questions is - how much would this small (maybe 1" x 3/4") repair typically cost?

And if I put it off for a little while, will it suffer more extensive damage?

[Carter13]

Not sure on the cost but I would put some duct tape on it and get it fixed this winter. The tape will be a reminder for everyone to lift their boards.

[dogbert]

I wouldn't expect that to cost more than $75.

[da.bell]

Doest that look like an air void between the fiberglass and where the gelcoat would have been?

[Fast1911]

[dingleberry]

Doest that look like an air void between the fiberglass and where the gelcoat would have been?

I was noticing the same thing looking at the pics. I'll have to look closer at it tonight. It sure looks like a void - maybe the gelcoat chipped at an angle and the void is just where the missing gelcoat should be. If it was an air void that existed before this incident, it could have contributed to it by not providing any support to the gelcoat, and then I would try to claim it as a warranty issue. I'll let you know what I can see.

Who will pitch this stuff now that dear ol' Billy Mays has passed?

[da.bell]

That was were I am thinking that you should go. Not entirely sure Tige will agree since they are clamping down on warranty stuff. Then there is the issue if that is an air void, how far does it go!!!

[mtnsmith]

It also looks like a bit of the core material might have gone with the chip, that was a pretty good hit. The larger gelcoat repair kit from the company, I can't remember the name, that makes our gelcoat might fill it as well, if you are a diy'er. I wasn't paying attention sat night backing the boat in and noticed I was getting close to the tree...I got out and went to look and couldn't even get my hand between the platform edge and the 150 year old oak. That would have been painful!

[Carter13]

Hey at least it isn't made of Iroko.
Sorry, I could not resist.

[jwanck11]

The Iroko wouldn't have chipped like that.

In any case, good luck with the repair!

[chpthril]

If you want it to look like it was never there, have a glass man fix it. If you want a 50yd'r (looks good from a distance) then get a gel repair kit with the tint. Being where that is, and I bet that will be a hard color to match, have it done by a pro who should be able to get the factory color from the manf.

[Lucky 275]

put some gator grip on it