Used Gheenoe, my first boat, lots of questions

[Cheap]

I just bought a used (1970) Gheenoe that’s a bit rough, although it seems like it’s a sturdy boat. The keel at the bow end is banged up, with some fiberglass missing from what looks like a repair. The seller promised me the boat does not leak.

This being my first boat, I have some questions:

1) Is there a web site that clearly shows how to repair fiberglass boats, specially the keel?

2) Is there some sort of metal I could incorporate into the keel repair?

3) What sort of paint is best?

4) Is there any type of paint that would damage fiberglass?

5) Where is the best place to find a used trailer?

6) Is a jon boat or canoe trailer best?

All input is great appreciated. If anyone has any additional wisdom, please let me know.

[streamer]

Stop by west marine and get a copy of the west epoxy system pamphlet, it will show you what you need to know about basic fiberglass repair, or check out youtube.com and look up west system, they have a few videos there about fiberglass repair.

As far as paint goes, I would use interlux perfection or brightside, depending on how long and how much you plan on using it. Interlux also make a paint called topside, its a non-slip paint you could use on the inside. Prep is the key to a good paint job.
Hope that wil help.

[allenww]

[QUOTE=Cheap;498660]I just bought a used (1970) Gheenoe that’s a bit

This being my first boat, I have some questions:

1) Is there a web site that clearly shows how to repair fiberglass boats, specially the keel?

2) Is there some sort of metal I could incorporate into the keel repair?

3) What sort of paint is best?

4) Is there any type of paint that would damage fiberglass?

5) Where is the best place to find a used trailer?

6) Is a jon boat or canoe trailer best?
QUOTE]

1. Because fiberglass canoes so frequently require patches, query "canoe repair"- I got a couple of dozen sites
2. Incorporating metal makes it the strongest part of the boat, meaning that after every "oops", your damaged area will get larger. Use Kevlar tape instead.
3 and 4. The Gheenoe folks will have a favorite, but most any is better than none.
5 and 6. Georgia Outdoor News (search: "GON") has a statewide swap board
which has half a dozen trailers for sale at any given time.
Any trailer will do, because weight is not a factor. Just make sure you can support the stern sufficiently (fiberglass flexes).

I do love Gheenoe type boats - best of luck with yours

wa

[Rosy410]

www.microskiff.com

These guys know about everything there is to fix and customize a gheenoe. They do some awesome work

Good Luck and post some pics of that thing when done

[Musselwhite]

That is an awesome website!!

Musselwhite