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Just for the Hull of It: Repairing Your PWC's Hull

© Karen K. Patton

Even on a sandy beach, the slight motion of your PWC can wear away the hull. Once the gel-coat on the hull is damaged, your troubles begin. Moisture is allowed into the fiberglass laminate, causing it to swell and weaken, thus affecting your PWC's performance and causing the fiberglass layer to rot until the entire hull is destroyed. Now is a good time to take a look at your PWC and repair any damage to the hull. If you recently purchased a PWC, you may want to consider the different methods of preventing damage to the hull.

You can have a professional repair the hull of your PWC, or you can do it yourself. Gel-Coat Products posts helpful tips and pointers designed to assist you in fiberglass repair with Gel-Coat products. Fibre Glast Developments Corporation has a Brochure of the Month with information covering many aspects of the composites industry and composite repairs. Both of these sites offer step-by-step on how to repair the damage yourself. For a quick repair, try Solarez. It cures in three minutes when exposed to sunlight and works in any temperature.

There are some things you can do to prevent damage to your PWC's hull. Several products are available on the market to protect the hull from the damage that can be caused from beaching your jet ski or damage caused by hitting objects in the water or even trailering your jet ski.

Visit Keelguard.com to learn about the virtues of Magaware's Keelguard. Keelguard is a Polycor bottom guard that can be easily installed and will remain on your PWC. As a bonus, radar speed tests have shown increased speeds of up to 1.54 mph with the installation of a Keelguard. The Boat Bib is designed specifically for shore beaching only and is easily attached to your PWC and is removed when you are ready to cruise.

Something else you may want to consider is insurance. Better Safe Than Sorry by Jasmine Basha of R&R Jet Tech discusses the importance of choosing the right insurance and insurance company for your PWC. Insurance adjusters who specialize in watercraft marine insurance will be more familiar with handling the common damage claims and be better able to assist you in getting your PWC repaired as quickly as possible.

Catch you on the Waves!

Karen K. Patton

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