I have been given a marine ply hulled Enterprise. There is a small hole in the side near the bow. How can I best repair it? When repainted I'd like the repair to be as invisible as possible!

Boatmad, January 2009

However you repair it (and there are other methods), the visibility of the repair will depend completely on the elbow grease you use to sand down prior to painting. All patches will show to some extent, especially on a gloss finish and, unless you plan to re-paint the whole hull, there will be a difference in the colour of the paints, even if you use paint from the original tin, due to fading and weathering of the hull. How important this is depends on your attitude to sailing; me, I prefer to be on the water as opposed to spending too much time on getting repairs with a perfect finish!

Tumshieheid, May 2009

fast fix? put a patch of marine grade plywood on the inside and fasten it well , next on the outside you can get a fiberglass repair kit and fill the hole in , when done and after painting , you'll never see it

Nort73, March 2009