hull repair under front cleat

[easy does it]

O.K. I am getting ready to fix my walnut size hole just below the cleat where it hits the roller. (earlier post gave me several alternitivies) would marine tex or pc 11 2 part marine grade epoxy be a better choice?..I really don't want to mess with the cloth resin best fix. but it has been fixed before so really I think it will come back to bite me. so here is my question. Is there a brass or aluminum front gard I could install to protect this very vunerable part of my boat? I like the idea but it would also most likely involve screwing more holes into the hull and presenting me with more issues in the futhur..is this a good idea (if so where would i get one) or a stupid lazy mans fix.

 

[thataway]

First you need to learn to post photos on the site, or at least link to a photo in a folder we can access.

I am making a wild guess, that you don't mean cleat, but mean bow eye, U bolt or something like that involved with the winch strap.

The second wild guess, is that this is not a hole, but a chip of the gel coat.

Best technique is using polyester resin, and some mat, if the area is into the hull laminate. You could use Marine Tex, but down the line, when a proper repair is deemed necessary, then someone will have to bring out all of the Marine Tex epoxy, and properly repair it.

As to preventing--again--I am guessing that the "chip" is near the bow eye. If this is the case, there are products called called Scuffbuster. (click on this blue link) This is SS with a very good 3M adhesive, to cover the area above or below the bow eye. You want the one with cut out. AlsoKeelguard, is a plastic material which glues over the bow and down toward the keel. It can be taken up this high on the bow if necessary. This last page shows all of the products. There are other makers of similar keel guards.

 

[easy does it]

yes, cleat was the wrong word. thank you