: From what I've read about patches each layer gets a bigger piece of
: fiberglass until the final piece which goes all the way to the
: circle I drew basically filling in the taper. Is that correct
: and what you mean by patch?

: Since the damage isn't on an internal rib like you were thinking is
: the above still necessary? I am still probably going to try
: fixing the gelcoat, but I think at some point during this
: discussion it was mentioned that is really just cosmetic.

: I still haven't bought a hairdryer to try popping out the indent,
: but based on picture of the inside of the cockpit does the
: fiberglass look damaged enough that I should sand through it and
: make a patch? I believe your original thought was that I could
: avoid any sanding and just place the rib in.

: You say "some" internal ribs. Do you think it will take
: more than one to fix this problem? I guess I could put in one
: nice big rib right on the center of the oilcanning and add more
: as needed. I'm going to have a hard time doing any work inside
: the cockpit much beyond the cockpit rim, but hopefully that will
: be deep enough.

: What do you mean by paint? You mean applying new gelcoat?

: Thanks,
: Brian

Hi Brian,
Going by the photos, I'd sand down the damage as Paul described, ignoring the rib commentary. The small to large patching method works better if there's something to support the first patch from the inside.
The damage looks like point-pressure (slow crush) damage from storage rather than impact damage.
A reinforcement "rib" running fore and aft would work well in that area, just taper it at the ends to minimise any hard-point. Match it with one on the other side.
Gelcoat would be a bit awkward as it's usually applied to a mold before the cloth. It's heavier than paint, as well.

Mike Savage
South West Cork