Fiberglass Hull Repair and Structural Restoration
Professional fiberglass repair and restoration for cracked, delaminated, or damaged boat hulls. We restore structural integrity and finish to manufacturer standards, protecting your vessel from water intrusion and further damage.
Most calls we get start the same way: someone hit a sandbar, clipped an oyster bar, or pulled the boat out and found damage they didn't know was there. Left alone, even a small crack lets water in and the problem gets worse fast.
Common problems we fix
- Cracks after hitting a sandbar or piling — Impact damage often goes deeper than it looks. A surface crack can hide fractures in the underlying laminate. We grind back to solid material, rebuild the laminate layers, and refinish the surface.
- Soft spots or spongy areas on the hull — Soft spots usually mean water has gotten into the core material, typically foam or balsa, and started breaking it down. The affected section needs to be opened, dried out, and re-cored before the outer skin is repaired.
- Hull blisters below the waterline — Blisters form when water migrates through the laminate and creates pressure pockets. Boats kept in the water full-time in this climate are especially prone. The blisters are opened, the hull is dried, and a barrier coat is applied.
- Stress cracks around cleats or hardware — Repeated load cycles crack the fiberglass around through-bolted fittings. Ignoring them lets water track into the deck or hull. The fix involves repairing the laminate and, if needed, reinforcing the backing plate.
How Hull Repair Works, Start to Finish
Every repair starts with getting back to sound material. Damaged or delaminated fiberglass is ground away until we reach solid laminate. From there, new layers of fiberglass cloth and resin are built up to match the original thickness and strength. Each layer cures before the next goes on. Once the structure is solid, the surface is faired smooth and finished to match the surrounding hull.
- Grind damaged material to solid laminate
- Rebuild with matched cloth and resin layup
- Fair the surface flush with surrounding hull
- Apply gelcoat or primer depending on finish needed
Why Charlotte Harbor Boats Take More Hull Damage
Charlotte Harbor, Lemon Bay, and the grass flats around Boca Grande are full of shallow water with oyster bars and hard sand edges that are easy to find accidentally. Running aground here is common, and the damage ranges from scratches to full fractures depending on speed and hull material. Boats kept in saltwater full-time also face ongoing osmotic pressure that drives blistering, particularly in older hulls with less-resistant laminates.
What Makes a Hull Repair Cost More or Less
Size of the damaged area is the biggest factor. A single crack in solid fiberglass repairs faster than a soft-cored section that needs drying time before work can continue. Location matters too: damage below the waterline or inside a tight bilge area takes longer to access and finish properly. Matching the existing gelcoat color adds steps if the hull has faded unevenly.
Can a fiberglass hull repair be done while the boat is in the water?
How do I know if a crack is just cosmetic or a real structural problem?
Will the repair be visible after it's done?
Is hull blistering covered by boat insurance?
Related services
Marine Engine Repair & Rebuilding
Comprehensive inboard and outboard marine engine diagnostics, repair, and rebuilding services for all major brands. We restore lost power, resolve overheating issues, and get your engine running at peak performance.
Learn moreOutboard Motor Service
Full-service maintenance and repair for outboard motors including tune-ups, fuel system cleaning, impeller replacement, and lower unit rebuilds. Keep your outboard running reliably season after season.
Learn moreBoat Electrical System Repair
Expert diagnosis and repair of marine electrical systems including wiring, batteries, charging systems, and onboard electronics. We resolve shorts, corrosion damage, and failed components to restore safe and reliable electrical operation.
Learn moreBook your fiberglass hull repair today
Fast response, upfront pricing, satisfaction guaranteed.