My boat has a couple places where it has bounced off a dock and damaged the gelcoat. One of these areas is right at the fiberglass underneath, is there a simple repair to hold off a full fix for awhile. Don't have the extra funds to do the full repair, unfortunately I am not good at this type of repair either....

Use clear epoxy on the damaged areas to seal them. But first.......

Clean and sand off any "fuzzies". Use acetone to wipe it down before applying the epoxy. If you have it indoors, but a heat lamp or something similar to apply moderate heat to the damaged areas. You need to drive out any moisture that is in there, before you seal it. If there is any moisture, it can freeze, expand and cause more damage to the composite.

Most boats are made of polyester resin, which is not waterproof. It can and will absorb water if not protected by the gel coat or some other barrier. A relative few are made of vinylester resin which is waterproof, and not subject to water penetration.

Exercise caution with any device be it a hair dryer, heat gun or light to warm the areas. Check it frequently. You do not want to apply intense heat to the hull. Resin even cured resin is highly flammable.

Once dry and prepped. Mix the epoxy and apply to the area with a brush. Don't try to thoroughly fill the depressions. Just get the area well sealed. That will protect the hull until you can make the cosmetic repairs.

Thanks Tom, greatly appreciated.

My pleasure. You are more than welcome.