I also have a FG Rapier, but mine is a Rapier 20 and have a couple repair questions. Nothing as large as the original post though.

: Simply adding layers of glass cloth and resin to the inside of the
: boat is a lousy way to reinforce it or stiffen it. Ever carry a
: 4x8 sheet of 1/4" plywood? If you hold it flat it will sag
: considerably under its own weight. Flip it on edge, though, and
: it doesn't sag at all. Same idea applies here, but more so.
: Apply a flat layer of new glass cloth and it is under 1/10"
: thick. That doesn't do anything to add stiffness. It adds
: weight. Use the same amount of glass, but orient it so it forms
: ribs or a honeycomb, or is corrugated (like the folded middle
: layer of paper in a piece of cardboard) and now you have some
: stiffness.

I am having a problem with the hull oilcanning. This is happening a little in front of the seat. I have been putting off fixing it because I've never done any fiberglass/gelcoat work. Now the gelcoat is "bubbly" and has started to crack from the constant popping in/out. I was told if I can't see the weave this is likely just cosmetic, but I'd like to try my hand at some repairs so this seems like a good place to start. I talked to someone from where I bought this kayak and they suggested that I just put down some FG Matte. The stuff that the fibers go in every direction instead of the weave. I assume the suggestion to use the matte is for the very reason that Paul described above. I'm guessing there are different thicknesses? Could someone suggest a good thickness for this task?

Another repair I need to do is on the cockpit coaming. I surfed into a log back when things were flooding in the fall and took a chunk out of the cockpit coaming. Maybe a little over a 1/4" deep and 1/2" long but cracks are starting to run out from the chip so I don't want to let it go for too long and get any worse. Is there a good way to fix this? I'd like the color to match, but structural integrity is far more important to me.

Thanks,
Brian