GRP, CARBON FIBRE & STRUCTURAL REPAIRS
GRP, carbon fibre and structural repairs
Repairs from a boat builder who knows how a hull is made, from the mould to the finished boat.
Start with what’s under the surface
The damage you can see isn’t always the whole story. A crack or scuff can sit on top of damage to the structure underneath, and the repair has to deal with both.
Our background is in boat production, with 25 years of experience. We understand how the structure and the materials work together, so we don’t just repair what can be seen. We look at the problem properly first, then repair it with materials and techniques that suit the boat.
What we repair
Structural GRP repairs. Damaged fibreglass structures, from localised damage to more extensive structural repairs. We assess the affected area and repair it to restore strength, integrity and finish.
Cosmetic GRP repairs and re-gels. Scratches, chips, cracks, scuffs and damaged gelcoat. We colour-match and re-gelcoat repaired areas so the repair blends in and the boat looks right again.
Carbon fibre repairs. Damaged carbon fibre components and structures. We use composite repair techniques that restore the part and keep the characteristics of the original construction.
Insurance repairs. If the damage is accidental or part of an insurance claim, we assess it, carry out the repairs and restore the affected areas to a high standard. We work to the requirements of the claim where they apply.
The boats we’ve worked on
Kayaks, RIBs, speedboats and motorboats. Sailing yachts, catamarans, racing yachts and carbon-fibre racing yachts. Superyacht tenders, workboats, fishing boats and deep-sea work vessels, up to large commercial and military vessels.
We’ve also worked on a large-scale project at Portsmouth Dockyard, including the first Type 45 destroyer.
Step | What we do | Why it matters |
1. Assess | Tap-test and moisture-meter the area | Shows how far the damage and the water have spread |
2. Cut back | Grind a long taper (12:1 or longer) back to sound laminate | New glass bonds over a wide area instead of along one edge |
3. Dry | Heat and vacuum extraction | Resin won’t bond properly to a wet laminate |
4. Rebuild | Woven fabrics laid in the same pattern as the original, vacuum-bagged | Squeezes out air and gives a tight, even laminate |
5. Fair and finish | Epoxy fairing, gelcoat, then polish | So you can’t find the repair afterwards |
Why a boatbuilder’s repair lasts
A lot of yard repairs are done with chopped strand mat and general-purpose polyester resin. It’s quick, and it looks fine on the day. But the patch ends up heavy, brittle and stiffer than the hull around it. Hulls flex, and the crack comes back at the edge of the patch.
We match the repair to the hull. Cloth weight, fibre direction and resin are chosen so the repaired area flexes the same as the glass around it.
Questions we get asked
How can I tell if a gelcoat crack is structural? Spider cracks that fan out from a corner or a fitting are usually only in the gelcoat. Be suspicious if a crack runs in a straight line, the surface gives when you press it, or rusty brown water weeps out when the boat’s on the hard. Those point to damage in the laminate or core underneath, and it’s worth getting someone to look.
Can you match my faded gelcoat? Yes. The factory colour code only matches a brand-new hull. We tint by eye and by test patch against your boat as it is now, comparing a protected area, such as the inside of a hatch or locker, with the weathered topsides.
Need a Repair?
Whether your boat has suffered accidental damage, requires structural repairs or simply needs some attention, we're happy to assess the work and discuss the best way forward. Send us details of your boat and the damage, with photographs if you can, and we'll arrange a time to look at it.