I have just purchased an old Lark sailing dinghy. The hull is a little battered and needs some minor and cosmetic repairs. The small deck shows fading. I am looking to repair dents and scratches and a couple of areas will need reinforcement. I would also like to spruce up the paintwork. The hull is all fibreglass and is white with faded blue topsides

Simon, May 2005

Matching gel coat colours is notoriously difficult. There are many propriatary gel coat touch up kits available from chandlers but I have not found any to correctly match the colour. For white I use Plastic Padding and find it works fine on dinghies as they are not in the water all the time. You will find colour restorer for the topsides at any chandlers and advertised in magazines such as Yachts and Yachting (which is for dinghies). For reinforcing do this on the inside of the hull and I can only give a general idea. Go to a Fiberglass Moulder who will be able to sell you the Polyester Resin and specific matting you will need. Make sure the area you wish to reinforce is scruperlously clean so that you can get the bonding. Talk to the Fiberglasser, I have always found them very helpful and a font of knowledge. Above all take your time over the work it cannot be rushed. Another tip is always wear your bouancy aid when near the water. Larks can be very tippy and booms can seem to have a life of their own. I and many others have often had bruised heads.

Keith Barker, April 2006