: I am in the process of stitching my Gentry Disko Bay with 8 oz
: polyester. Some of the stitches have made pulled the fabric and
: made holes. Nothing too serious but probably more than can be
: filled by paint. Any suggestions on how to fill them? I am
: painting the boat black so I could just use some black Goop. Or
: should I fill the holes with something (paintable) prior to
: painting?

: All comments and suggestions are appreciated,

: Sean

I've found that even fairly large holes in loose-wave polyester will eventually fill up over the course of 4 or 5 coats.
I am using a water-based polyurethane but would think most paint like substances would fill in. One trick I use
is to let the boat rest on alternate chines after each deck coat. As the coating thickens and dries, it tends to run down
to the center seam on one side which forms a dam. The damming effect lets a somewhat thicker layer build up near the
seam which is where the holes are, so they fill in quicker. Next deck coat, I rest the boat on the alternate chine and let
the coating dam up on the other side of the seam.

eric
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Ogata