Fiberglass boat flooring has gained immense popularity due to its no-rot, great strength, and little to no maintenance properties. But there are times when fiberglass also can be susceptible to damage to varying extents. For example, you might notice that your fiberglass floor has minor cracks, holes, soft spots, bubbles, etc.
In this case, you need to undertake floor repair and deal with the budget issue that comes with it. If you have a fiberglass boat floor, it’s better on your part to prepare with an estimated cost of such repair. It is fundamental because it will make the task of this repair smoother and more efficient for you.
I’m here to provide you with the best cost-effective choices. In this article, I’ll assess some estimated cost ranges that may help you better prepare for fiberglass floor repair costs. Let’s get started.
5 Factors That Determine Fiberglass Boat Floor Repair Cost:
Fiberglass is an incredible addition to advanced technology-based and upgraded marine-grade products. It doesn’t allow mold, algae, fungi, insect infestation, etc., on the flooring and increases the longevity of your boat. But like everything else, fiberglass’s positives also aren’t absolute.
Even though this kind of product is likely to cause you minor and less frequent problems, it still has the potential to damage you. Remember that all fiberglass repair projects are unique in one way or another. Therefore, there’s no concrete generalized assumption about how much this task will eventually cost you.
When preparing yourself for a possible repair of your fiberglass boat floor, a few things must be kept in mind. These factors combined will determine exactly how much the repair will cost you:
Factor 1: The Nature, Severity, And Accumulated Area Of Damage
The boat fiberglass (1) repair cost depends largely on the kind and severity of damage and how much area in total needs repairing. Tiny issues on a small part of the floor surface will be cheaper to fix. On the contrary, if the damage is somewhat grave, you’ll have to spend much more.
The total amount will be higher if the area of damage is large. So, the ultimate boat floor replacement cost comes down to the volume of materials, methods, and labor that you’ll need to invest in fixing the floor.
Factor 2: The Type Of Material You Want To Use For Repair Task
What material you choose to repair the fiberglass damage on a boat has a lot to do with the expenses. Different materials quite obviously have varying prices. Various grades of products are available, some of which are cheaper and some of which are more expensive. What option you choose will determine the cost of the floor repair.
Factor 3: Cost Of Secondary Materials
You’ll need secondary materials, such as finishers or paints, fasteners like screws and bolts, adhesives, etc. while repairing the boat floor. All these required secondary products also have different grades and differ in prices.
The prices of these secondary materials will also play a role in determining your ultimate repair cost.
Factor 4: Cost Of Expert Personnel To Get The Job Done
There are companies or yards specialized in boat repairings that employ expert personnel. These companies provide various price quotes for various projects, which usually include the cost of all kinds of materials required and the fee of their experts to get the job done. Now the thing is, the price quotes may vary from company to company.
You should keep looking for a reasonable offer by comparing the price with offers given by other companies. Suppose you are confident enough about repairing the boat floor all by yourself. In that case, the cost of hiring expert personnel can be eliminated. Whether or not you do it yourself will determine the ultimate cost of the floor repair.
In the case of fiberglass boat restoration cost, it is evident that the labor/expertise cost is much higher than the price of the materials required. It happens due to the intricate nature of the repair job.
Factor 5: Product And Method Testing Expenses (Optional)
You may or may not be required to conduct testing procedures using different products and methods to determine the compatibility of those with your boat. If you need this testing, it’ll create some additional expenses.
Estimated Ranges Of Fiberglass Boat Floor Repairing Cost:
As you know, you can choose two approaches to repair: professional shop/expert and DIY (do it yourself). Let’s look into them in detail:
- Repair Work By A Yard/Professional Shop:
An expert typically charges between $70 and $110 per hour for a fiberglass boat floor repair. This expense range generally includes the prices of necessary materials and the labor/expertise fee. Let me give you an assumption of the total cost applying this range – fixing a couple of tiny holes or cracks may cost between $70 to $400.
On the other hand, repairing the entire boat flooring can go well above thousands of dollars. As I’ve mentioned earlier, the cost, in one way or another, will depend on the degree of damage to your flooring. If the repair needs additional materials and a higher number of working hours, the cost can go up to $350 per hour.
Another determinant factor is the grade of the product you will choose. Using high-quality products will result in a higher accumulated expense. For example, repairing your floor with fiberglass and epoxy or two-part polyester resin such as Gelcoat will cost up to $450 per hour. In the case of such hired-out projects, the accumulated cost is generally 50% for the products and miscellaneous tools.
The other 50% cost of fiberglass boat repairs goes to the labor or expertise fee of the skilled personnel. Again, check some of the price quotes of various professional repair shops and the prices of the raw materials independently. And redoing the boat floor at a professional shop costs a couple of thousands of dollars.
But the prices of the materials or products cost only between 150 and 300 dollars. So, if you want to do the repair task yourself, the cost is supposed to be much less than a hired-out work.
Also, remember that if the condition is too bad, you might need to repair or replace the support structure or base flooring. Then the cost will go up by a significant margin either way.
- Do It Yourself:
If you want to do the DIY fiberglass boat repair, you must have all the essential materials and tools to complete the project. Possible materials include powdered fiberglass filler, woven fiberglass fabric or cloth, epoxy/polyester resin/Gelcoat, resin reducer, wax, buffer substances, etc.
Additionally, you will need processing tools, such as sandpaper, a sanding block, a spraying tool, a rotary tool, a heat gun, a burr nose grinder bit, a stir stick, and safety equipment. The prices of all these materials and tools will vary based on their qualities, grades, and brands.
You may not need everything altogether, but these are the usual range of products required for this kind of repair. First, let’s look at a demo cost distribution for materials used to fix minor holes and cracks:
Fiberglass boating fabric/cloth comes in various weight categories – 10 ounces, 6 ounces, 4 ounces, 1.5 ounces, and 0.75 ounces. These fabrics generally have a width from 3 to 5 feet, and the stores sell these on a yard basis. Let’s say you want fiberglass hole repair using a single 6-ounce layer of cloth (width – 50”).
In this case, the cost of this particular material would be $25 to $30. Additionally, you’ll need finishers, such as epoxy or polyester resin with a hardener which will be around $39 for that particular work. As a result, a generic minor fixing will cost you from $50 to $70.
The volume of materials you’ll get for this money will suffice to repair quite a few small holes/cracks. But if you want to apply a specialized method, the cost will differ. For example –
You may want to apply lighter fiberglass cloths in multiple layers for more reinforcement.
In this case, you can apply two layers of a 6-ounce and a 4-ounce fabric each. This layering will give you the same strength as a 10-ounce fiberglass cloth. And, of course, the purchasing expenses will differ from a single-layer fixing. On top of that, the kind of resin you’ll choose will also determine the cost.
Silicone and polyurethane resins are more expensive than epoxy even though using them in boat floor fixing doesn’t always make sense. So, in my opinion, Epoxy or Gelcoat should suffice.
How Much Does Fiberglass Cost?
You’ll have to buy the necessary materials from a hardware store to do it yourself. But first, let’s look at the boat repair cost estimates of various products:
Fiberglass Fabric/Cloth:
The price ranges for fiberglass fabric/cloth:
| Weight (Oz) | Width | Thickness | Length (Yard-Roll) | Price |
| 0.75 | 38″ | 1.2 Mils. | 6 | $46.25 |
| 1.5 | 50″ | 2.2 Mils. | 6 | $59.40 |
| 6 | 40″ | 3.90 Mils. | 5 | $42.30 |
| 6 | 50″ | 3.90 Mils. | 5 | $48.95 |
| 10 | 38″ | 14 Mils. | 5 | $53.50 |
| 4 | 50″ | 6 Mils. | 5 | $45.85 |
Fiberglass Chopped Strand Mat:
The price ranges for fiberglass chopped strand mat:
| Weight (Oz) | Width | Thickness | Length (Yard-Roll) | Price |
| 0.75 | 38″ | 0.012″ | 10 | $54.95 |
| 0.75 | 50″ | 0.012″ | 10 | $56.95 |
| 1.5 | 38″ | 0.045″ | 10 | $64.95 |
| 1.5 | 50″ | 0.045” | 10 | $72.95 |
What Kind Of Fiberglass For Boat Floor And Their Cost
Wondering which fiberglass goes with the boat floor naturally and genuinely? Here are some of them you should look at before fiberglassing a boat floor.
- Fiberglass Filler Powder:
Various brands of fiberglass fillers consisting of a mixing ratio by volume (two components combined) of 100:2-3 would cost between $14-$18 per 332-gram container. As for the 743-gram container, the price lies between $25-$30.
- Polyester Resin:
The price of typical marine-grade polyester resin falls between $45 and $55 based on the category and quality grade of the core material and hardener used in a particular product. In addition, the product brands play a role in setting the selling price, as always.
- Epoxy Resin:
Marine-grade epoxy would cost significantly higher than polyester resin. One gallon of epoxy would cost between $70 to $80. Epoxy with hardener and UV coating will cost higher – between $100 and $115 per gallon.
- Gelcoat:
One gallon of White Gelcoat with wax will cost about $90. In cases of Special Clear Gelcoat, the price ranges from $105 to $110.
- Gelcoat/Resin/Epoxy Reducer:
Reducer/thinner for Gelcoat typically costs between $37 and $45 per gallon. On the other hand, Epoxy reducers would cost about $85 to $110 per gallon.
- Wooden Stir Sticks:
These come in various sizes – 10, 12, 14 inches, etc. A pack of 20 sticks costs between $3 and $8.
How To Fix A Crack In A Fiberglass Boat?
Many people wonder how to patch a hole in a fiberglass boat. However, the process of repairing a crack is easy. Take a look at the steps of patching a fiberglass boat.
Step 1: Clean The Surface
The first step is to clean the entire surface with water and mild detergent. Sand the area around the crack or hole with a fine-grit sandpaper.
Step 2: Apply Resin
Apply a thick layer of fiberglass resin with a brush onto the crack area. Place a fiberglass cloth over the resin and press down to remove any air bubbles. Allow the resin to dry completely before sanding the area to create a smooth finish.
Step 3: Reapply Fiberglass Resin
Apply 2-3 layers of fiberglass resin over the cloth. Allow the resin to dry completely before sanding the area to create a smooth finish. Next, apply a layer of primer to the entire area and allow it to dry before applying a topcoat of paint.
How Much Does Fiberglass Work Cost?
The cost required to repair a fiberglass boat deck depends on several crucial factors. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to state an exact figure as to how much it might cost. These factors include the damage’s severity and size, your boat’s type, the grade of materials, etc.
On top of that, the cost would be different if you get the repair done by a fiberglass repair company instead of doing it yourself. Professional repair costs generally fall between $1500 and $20,000 or more. Pretty vague, right? Well, as I said, it depends on the damage and materials.
Different yards or boat repair companies provide different packages that may vary in price. Also, half of the expense stated in the price quote is for professional expertise/labor. And the other half would fluctuate depending on what grades of products you choose to use.
Cheaper materials would keep the accumulated cost lower and vice versa. In contrast, professional experts’ charges can be saved if you choose to repair it all by yourself. This is because you will only need to spend on the materials required. However, You can fix small cracks and holes on your own, but if the damage is severe, you need to seek professional help.
How To Use A Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit?
Using a fiberglass repair kit is one of the easiest ways of repairing the deck. Make sure to choose the best fiberglass boat repair kit before you start working. Let us see the process of how to use the kit.
Step 1: Sand The Surface
Clean the area to be repaired. First, use a rag and mild detergent to remove dirt and debris. Next, prepare the repair area by sanding it to create a rough surface. This will help the epoxy adhere better to the surface.
Step 2: Prepare The Mixture
Gather all the necessary materials for the repair. You will need a fiberglass repair kit, mixing cup, stirring stick, and gloves. Mix the epoxy resin and hardener according to the directions on the package.
Step 3: Apply The Repair Kit
Apply the epoxy mixture to the repair area using a brush or spatula. Spread the epoxy evenly and allow it to cure for the recommended amount of time. Once the epoxy has cured, sand down the area to create a smooth surface.
Finally, apply a layer of gel coat to the repaired area. Allow the gel coat to cure before using the boat. Voila! Your fiberglass boat deck repair is complete.
How to Fix a Hole in a Fiberglass Boat
To fix a hole in a fiberglass boat, start by ensuring the area is clean and dry. Next, sand the damaged area to create a rough surface for the repair material to adhere to. Use a fiberglass repair kit that typically includes epoxy resin, fiberglass cloth, and hardener.
Cut the fiberglass cloth to fit over the hole and extend a couple of inches beyond it. Mix the epoxy resin with the hardener as per the kit’s instructions and apply a layer to the damaged area. Place the fiberglass cloth over the epoxy and saturate it with more resin.
Allow it to dry and cure according to the kit’s recommendations. Sand the patched area, and finish with a gel coat for a smooth, protective finish. This process will restore the boat’s integrity and appearance.
How to Repair Fiberglass on a Boat
To repair fiberglass on boats, start by assessing the damage. Clean the affected area and remove any loose or damaged fiberglass. Sand the damaged region to create a rough surface for better adhesion.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you can use either a fiberglass repair kit or individual materials like fiberglass mat, epoxy resin, and hardener. Cut the fiberglass material to size, mix the epoxy resin with the hardener as instructed, and apply it to the damaged area, ensuring proper saturation.
Once it cures, sand it smooth and finish with a gel coat or paint to match the boat’s appearance. Properly repairing fiberglass ensures structural integrity and maintains the vessel’s aesthetics.
How to Fix Soft Spot in Fiberglass Boat Floor
Repairing a soft spot in a fiberglass boat floor involves a few steps. First, locate and mark the damaged area. Then, using a drill with a hole saw attachment, remove the soft, weakened fiberglass around the spot, creating a clean, circular opening.
Ensure that the underlying structure is sound and dry. Next, apply a fiberglass patch using epoxy resin and fiberglass cloth or mat, layering it over the exposed area.
Once the patch is dry, sand it smooth, and finish by applying a gel coat or paint to match the rest of the boat’s floor. This process reinforces the floor’s strength, eliminating the soft spot and ensuring safe boating.
How to Repair Fiberglass Boat Hull
Repairing a fiberglass boat hull is a multi-step process. First, assess the extent of the damage and clean the affected area. Using a grinder or sandpaper, remove the damaged fiberglass, creating a clean, feathered edge.
Cut fiberglass mat or cloth to size and prepare epoxy resin with hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the resin to the damaged area and lay the fiberglass material over it, ensuring proper saturation. Allow it to cure. Sand the patched area to a smooth finish, then apply a gel coat or paint to match the boat’s color.
This repair process ensures structural integrity and maintains the hull’s appearance, extending the life of your boat.
Related Questions:
Is Fiberglass Boat Repair Expensive?
Fiberglass boat repair is generally not more expensive than other types of boats. The materials required in fiberglass repair are pretty affordable, optimum, and handy. These materials, of course, have varying prices based on their qualities, product gradings, and brand values.
But if you can arrange some well-performing and cost-effective materials, such repairs are inexpensive. However, opt to get the repair done by a professional shop. There’ll be extra charges, such as the experts’ fees or labor costs. But there are multitudes of affordable packages offered by most yards/repair shops that provide you with quality services for a reasonable price.
How Much Does It Cost To Redo A Boat Deck?
Generally, it would cost between $1,000 and $10,000 to redo the entire decking of a boat with a length between 18 to 25 feet. How much you’ll spend depends on the type of your boat, the materials and method you want to use, and whether or not you need some extra repairs beneath the surface.
Professional repair shops usually offer complete boat deck redo packages for various kinds of boats. In addition, you can look for some of their affordable and cost-effective price quotes and compare them between companies to figure out which one best suits your budget.
How Much Does It Cost To Have A Fiberglass Boat Floor Redone?
Redoing a fiberglass boat floor generally costs between $2,500 and $10,000. The exact cost depends on the grade/quality and quantity of materials you will need and whether or not you’ll get the job done by a professional shop. Remember that the fiberglass flooring redo can cost more than $10,000 in various cases.
Also, if you do the work yourself, it’d cost you less than a hired-out project. In this case, the fee of the experts will be saved. Then again, if the condition is too critical and the work is too complicated, it’s wiser to seek professional help.
How Much Does It Cost To Refit Your Boat?
The cost of fiberglassing a boat floor typically depends on two main factors, including the size of the boat and the materials used to refit it. Bigger boats refitted with top-quality materials will come with a high final bill. For example, refuting 8 to 15 feet will cost about $3500 to $6000.
If you hire professionals for the work, then the cost will go higher. However, if you can refit the boat on your own, the cost will be less.
How To Repair A (Cracked) Fiberglass Boat Floor?
You can rely on two methods to repair fiberglass boat floors. You can either replace the entire floor with new fiberglass or use a kit for fixing fiberglass cracks. In either case, you will end up with a new and aesthetic boat floor.
In terms of price(2), the fiberglass chip repair through professionals will be more costly than using the kit. However, you can also use the kit to repair the floor and save money on labor costs.
How Many Layers Of Fiberglass Are Needed For Boat Floors?
For boat floors, you must use at least two layers of fiberglass. However, more layers of fiberglass will provide a stronger surface. This means that using three layers of fiberglass is better than two.
A stronger finish is important to ensure longevity and an attractive look. The cost to replace the boat floor will significantly depend on the number of layers you use. A higher number of fiberglass layers will significantly increase the entire project’s price.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Fiberglass Boat Hull?
The overall pricing of fiberglass hull gouge repair varies depending on the boat’s size and the damage’s severity. Not only that, but factors including layers, product quality, and many more also play a major role in the final cost. Typically, the price varies from $50 to $125 per hour.
High labor costs will increase the final bill by a great margin. However, if you can work on the replacement task independently, the cost will be significantly lower.
How To Repair Soft Spot In A Fiberglass Boat Floor?
If you have a soft spot on your fiberglass boat floor, you must repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. The best way to do this is to clean the area thoroughly with a soft cloth and an appropriate boat cleaner. Once the area is clean, you can use a fiberglass repair kit to fill in the soft spot.
Follow the instructions on the kit to fill in the soft spot and allow it to set. Once set, you can sand the area down and paint it with a marine-grade primer and paint to match the rest of the boat. The cost to fix a soft spot on the boat floor is about $70 to $120.
How Much Does Jet Ski Fiberglass Repair Cost?
The cost of jet ski fiberglass repair can vary depending on the size of the repair needed, the materials used, and the complexity of the repair. On average, a small fiberglass repair on a jet ski can range from $50 to $150.
For more extensive repairs, the jet ski hull repair cost can range from $200 to $600. Labor costs also play a major role in the overall expenses.
How Many Layers of Fiberglass for Boat Floor?
The number of layers of fiberglass for a boat floor can vary depending on factors like the boat’s size, intended use, and structural requirements. In general, a standard approach includes applying multiple layers of fiberglass for durability.
A common practice is to use two to three layers of fiberglass cloth or mat for the boat floor repair. Start with a layer of woven fiberglass cloth, followed by additional layers of mat or cloth, ensuring that each layer is properly saturated with epoxy resin. The number of layers can increase if added strength or thickness is needed, especially in high-stress areas.
It’s essential to follow manufacturer guidelines and consider the specific needs of your boat project to determine the appropriate number of layers for your boat floor repair.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Hole in a Fiberglass Boat?
The cost to fix a hole in a fiberglass boat varies significantly depending on the size and severity of the damage, as well as whether you’re doing the repair yourself or hiring a professional.
For minor repairs like small cracks or holes, DIY fiberglass repair kits can cost between $20 to $100. More extensive damage, such as larger holes or structural issues, may require professional repair, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The final cost will also depend on labor fees, materials, and the complexity of the repair.
To get an accurate estimate, it’s advisable to consult with a marine repair specialist who can assess the damage and provide a detailed cost estimate for your specific situation.
Bottom Line:
Fiberglass boat floor repair costs aren’t specifically higher than other boats. Well, any kind of boat, in general, is something expensive to own and maintain. But when you look at all the advantages, fiberglass flooring provides for your boat, such repair costs seem pretty reasonable and optimum. Hopefully, this article has been able to give you a general overview regarding fiberglass boat floor repair costs and will help you choose better.