Mobile Gelcoat Boat Repair
Professional Gelcoat Repair in Charleston, Hilton Head & Savannah
Is your boat’s gelcoat looking dull, faded, or cracked from years of exposure to sun, saltwater, and impact damage? At Total Boat Repair, we specialize in mobile gelcoat repair services throughout Charleston, Hilton Head, and Savannah, helping boat owners restore the protective finish and glossy shine that keeps their vessels looking sharp and structurally sound. Whether your boat has surface-level spider cracks, dock rash, or deeper gouges that expose the fiberglass underneath, our expert technicians deliver professional, on-site repairs that blend flawlessly with the original finish.
Gelcoat is more than just cosmetic. It’s your boat’s first line of defense against UV rays, water intrusion, and the harsh marine environment. When damaged, it can leave your hull vulnerable to long-term issues like delamination, staining, and fiberglass deterioration. That’s why timely, high-quality gelcoat repair is essential for maintaining both the performance and value of your boat.
We use advanced color-matching techniques and marine-grade materials to ensure every repair is strong, seamless, and built to withstand the demands of boating in the Lowcountry and Coastal Georgia. Our mobile service brings the repair shop to you—whether your vessel is in a marina in Mount Pleasant, on a trailer in Hilton Head, or docked on the Savannah River.
From center consoles and sailboats to yachts and jet skis, we handle all types of gelcoat restoration with care and precision. If you’re searching for reliable gelcoat repair in Charleston, Hilton Head, or Savannah, trust Total Boat Repair to restore your boat’s finish and protect your investment.
My Gelcoat is Damaged, Now What?
So you have a few gel coat scrapes or gouges on your boat, and youre wondering if you should attempt to repair it yourself or call us to save some money. First, you have to realize that gel coat repair is an art. This is not to discourage the DIY crowd, but if you do not care if the repair is noticeable or structurally sound, take a shot at it. However, if you want to ensure that your repair is unnoticeable and done right by a professional, then we are your best option. Several factors can make a repair noticeable, and while some of those factors cannot be mitigated by even our top gel coat boat repair professionals, our experience and transparency in our consultation will provide you with the best options. The bottom line is that we stand behind our work, and our gel coat and fiberglass repairs hold up over time, which helps retain your boat’s value and overall appearance.
If you desire to have your gel coat or fiberglass repair be virtually invisible as if it never happened and you don’t have the hours or even days to invest in such a project and if you don’t want the stress of learning what to buy, how to use it, under what conditions and on what surfaces then you should just call us. We have the best craftsmen and artists in the Charleston area who make their mark on fiberglass boat repairs.
Common Gelcoat Damage That We Repair
- Chips, scratches, and gouges from docks, trailers, or equipment
- Spider cracks and hairline fractures near stress points
- UV fading, oxidation, and surface dullness
- Deep cracks from impact or stress
- Non-skid deck and textured surface restoration
- Full or partial hull gelcoat resprays and color restoration
Mobile Gelcoat Boat Repair
Boats We Service
Skiff Boats
Bay Boats
Center Console Boats
Bowrider Boats
Deck Boats
Sailboats
Yachts
Wakeboard Boats
Houseboats
Runabouts
Ski Boats
Sportfishing Boats
Speedboats
Catamarans
Multihull Boats
Pleasure Boats
Our Gelcoat Repair Process
Inspection and Estimate
With years of hands-on experience, we’re able to assess most gelcoat repairs quickly and accurately through photos sent via text or email. Once reviewed, we provide a clear estimate and schedule your repair without delay. Before any work begins, we perform a thorough on-site inspection to confirm the scope of damage and check for any underlying fiberglass issues. This ensures we address the full problem the first time—delivering reliable, lasting results.
Surface Prep
We carefully grind out damaged gelcoat, clean the area thoroughly, and feather the edges for optimal adhesion. This step ensures the repair bonds cleanly with the surrounding surface.
Filling and Fairing
Chipped or cracked areas are filled with marine-grade gelcoat paste or filler. We then fair and sand the area to restore the original contour of the hull or deck.
Color-Matched Gelcoat Application
Once prepped, we apply your boat manufacturer’s gelcoat to match your boat’s original finish. In some cases, the original gelcoat cannot be obtained and we may have to do a custom color-match gelcoat. Multiple layers are added as needed for proper thickness, coverage, and depth.
Sanding and Polishing
After curing, we wet sand the surface with progressively finer grits, followed by compounding and machine polishing. This multi-step finish work delivers a high-gloss, seamless result.
Final Waxing and UV Protection
To finish the job, we apply a protective marine wax to the area, enhancing shine and protecting against sun, salt, and staining.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gel Coat Repair:
Is gelcoat damage purely cosmetic?
No. While gelcoat damage often starts as a cosmetic issue, chips and cracks can lead to deeper fiberglass damage if water gets in. Prompt repair prevents further problems.
Is your service mobile?
Yes. We provide mobile gelcoat repair in Charleston, Hilton Head, Savannah, and surrounding areas. For larger jobs, we also work with local boatyards if necessary.
How long does gelcoat repair take?
Most spot repairs take one to three days, depending on the damage and weather conditions. Full resprays or color restorations may take longer. We’ll provide a clear timeline before starting.
Do you help with insurance claims?
Yes. We regularly work with marine insurance providers and can assist with estimates, documentation, and communication throughout the process.
Can you match the original color of my boat?
Mostly Yes. We first attempt to get your manufacturer’s original gelcoat. If your gelcoat color is no longer in production, we use other means to get your gelcoat color as close as possible to include computer matched samples.
Our Mobile Gelcoat Repair Work
