Engine Shroud Refurbishment, There's a hole in my boat Options

[DennisV]

Does anyone have first-hand experience refurbishing their engine shroud that they can share? Best practices? Lessons learned?

I bought the best (err only) original engine shroud that I could find that I think is correct for our engine. Thanks for the guidance on that. It might work as is, but it could sure use some help. Faded. Cracks. Etc.

I've done some searching, but the best resources I've found so far are boat repair videos.

[mlindner]

I did find one shot, most of the repairs are already done on the back side. I do remember most of the bolt holes broken out....FIX, rough up fiberglass over broken hole and epoxy on top a washer the correct size. Make sure to keep center hole clean while drying. Then glass a little on the back if needed. Make sure to sand/rough up old fiber glass surface and hit with Acetone before applying new resin and glass. You can see the washers in the original post. Regarding Gel coatings I know nothing.....Went to WestMarine and told them what I was doing (repair). They have a gel that is like syrup, brush on and let it run all over, moving up and down, side to side to level out. Then sanded and painted. And when glassing an open broken area, you can line the area with tin foil (will pull off easier).

[DennisV]

I do remember most of the bolt holes broken out....FIX, rough up fiberglass over broken hole and epoxy on top a washer the correct size. Make sure to keep center hole clean while drying. Then glass a little on the back if needed.

The washer is a clever idea. I have several that are broken off. A few were covered with speed nuts, which I suspect were not original.

I was inspired by the helpful ideas and great results shared here to spend some more time on it last night. Unfortunately, my rivet drilling skills proved to be sub par. As such, in the process of trying to improve my situation I ended up creating some more work for myself. Am I the only one this happens to? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)

Lots to repair. Guess I'll try to compile some photos of original black shrouds in good condition as a reference. I think mine has some extra holes...