Wellcraft Airslot hull repair

[dizzyspots]

Had to run the bilge pump alot during our Baja fishing adventure...cleaning up the boat today...found the source of the leak: there is about an 8-10" linear gash on the inside of the port "sponson"...thru the glass (i can push on it with pretty good flex)
I believe it was courtesy of my expert helmsman skills trying to load it on the trailer with a crosswind and in coming tides in Baja last trip)
There is no access from the backside (its in line with the port console/windshield)
Ive worked with fiberglass and filler, a bit, on a Manx buggy, but never on a boat
Would be appreciative of any pointers or other guidance...
cheers

Mike

[sobx]

.....I have made similar repairs by opening up the area enough to stuff some fiberglass matting into the gash and then injecting epoxy mixed with fast hardener into it......add a little more each day until it fills the gaps completely...then sand it smooth before primer and gel-coat (or epoxy bottom paint)....check out some other opinions before doing this, there may be an easier method!

[phatdaddy]

go to the links section and check out the book by west, it has some good info

[chart]

how much room is behind the gash and to the sides? you may be able to open up the gash and fish a backing plate of thin wood, aluminum or stainless through the gash with some whetted glass. predrill the plate and hull for rivets before glassing! once cured drill out the rivets bevel around the gash a good amount and patch with layers of glass.

[dizzyspots]

Thank you for the links and personal advice...Ill try to investigate further this weekend and see if I have access behind the damage, etc
Cheers
Mike