Boat Fiberglass Repair
Gelcoat and small non-structural fiberglass repairs in Long Beach: chips, scratches, cosmetic cracks and dock rash, color-matched to your boat. Get a quote.
- 4 services
- Labor $150/hr
- Trip fee from $30
- At your slip or in the shop
Boat Fiberglass Repair in Long Beach and San Pedro
We repair fiberglass and gelcoat damage at your slip, dock or storage yard from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or at our San Pedro shop. That covers cosmetic chips, scratches and cracks in the gelcoat and small non-structural fiberglass repairs; structural hull, transom and deck work is referred to a boatyard.
What the work covers
- Gelcoat and cosmetic fiberglass repair: chips, cosmetic cracks and small dings in the hull and deck. Delamination and other structural damage are referred to a boatyard.
- Gelcoat color matching and scratch restoration for scratches, gouges and chips, with the color matched to your boat.
- Transom repair: engine removal and refit. On outboard and sterndrive boats the transom carries the load of the engine or drive, so a weak transom needs attention early. A boatyard rebuilds the transom; we check it, take the engine and drive off and refit them afterwards.
- Swim platform repair for cracked, loose or damaged bolt-on platforms, and bolt-on extensions. Anything glassed into the hull, and work on the transom core, is referred to a boatyard.
If the damage came from a collision, see insurance repair estimates: we document the damage with photos and give you a written estimate to send to your insurer.
Signs of fiberglass damage
- Spider cracks in the gelcoat, often around fittings and corners
- Soft or spongy spots when you walk on the deck
- The transom flexes or the engine mount moves under load
- Chips and gouges from docking, trailering or an impact
- Water weeping from cracks or around fittings
- A swim platform that is cracked, loose or moves
Questions about fiberglass repair
Is a gelcoat crack always structural?
Not always. Some cracks stay in the gelcoat, and we repair those. Others go into the fiberglass underneath and point to flexing or impact damage; that is structural work, which we refer to a boatyard. We look at what is behind the crack before quoting the repair.
Why do soft spots matter?
Many decks and transoms have a core between layers of fiberglass. When water gets in through fittings or cracks, the core can soften or rot over time, and the damage often spreads. Catching it early usually keeps the repair smaller. Core repairs are structural work, which a boatyard does.
Book a visit: submit a ticket with the boat, where it is kept and what the damage looks like, or call (562) 542-7296.
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#838 Common question asks
Do you provide warranty on gelcoat repairs?
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Yes. Our workmanship is warranted for 90 days from the invoice date, and materials carry their manufacturer's warranty. Your invoice lists the work and the materials for your records.
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#836 Common question asks
Is gelcoat repair better than repainting the boat?
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For scratches, chips and gouges, usually yes: a gelcoat repair keeps the original finish and costs far less than painting the whole hull. Painting may make more sense when the gelcoat is worn through or badly faded over large areas, and we tell you which fits your boat before any work.
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#834 Common question asks
How long does gelcoat scratch repair usually take?
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A small scratch repair usually takes 2-4 hours of labor, but gelcoat needs time to cure before it is sanded and polished, so larger or deeper repairs can take more than one visit. The exact time depends on the size of the damage and the temperature and humidity while it cures.
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#832 Common question asks
Does gelcoat restoration protect the hull from further damage?
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Yes. Filling a scratch or chip seals the fiberglass underneath so water cannot soak into it, and the new gelcoat restores UV protection in that spot.
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#830 Common question asks
How do you match the gelcoat color?
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We tint the gelcoat with pigments and compare test samples with your boat's current color until it blends. We aim for a very close match, but on older or sun-faded gelcoat a perfect match cannot be promised.
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#828 Common question asks
Can deep scratches and chips in gelcoat be fully repaired?
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Most scratches, chips and gouges in the gelcoat can be repaired: we fill, sand and polish the area and blend the gelcoat so the repair blends in with the surrounding finish. Cracks that go into the fiberglass, or spider cracks from flexing, can point to structural damage, which we refer to a boatyard.
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#826 Common question asks
What is gelcoat color matching and why is it important?
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Gelcoat color matching means tinting new gelcoat to the color your hull has now, which on an older boat is often sun-faded and no longer the factory shade. A good match lets the repair blend in instead of showing as a patch, which matters for appearance and resale value.
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#824 Common question asks
Do you provide warranty on swim platform repairs and extensions?
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Yes. Our workmanship is warranted for 90 days from the invoice date; materials and parts carry their manufacturer's warranty.
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#822 Common question asks
How long does a swim platform repair or extension take?
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Minor repairs often take 1–2 days, mostly for curing time. A custom extension usually takes several days, depending on the design, materials and curing time; we give you the expected timing with your written estimate.
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#820 Common question asks
Can you customize the size and shape of the swim platform?
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Absolutely. We design custom swim platform extensions to match your boat’s layout, width, and intended use. Custom options include ladders, handrails, non-slip decking, and integrated steps.
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