Jet Ski hull repairs on the Gold Coast: fibreglass vs Polytec, and how quotes work
Most Jet Ski hulls are fibreglass, and fibreglass can be repaired. Here is how to tell what your hull is made of, what is fixable and how a quote works.
On the Gold Coast, Cross Design repairs Jet Ski hulls in its fibreglass workshop at 2/14 Nuban St, Currumbin Waters: hull cracks, impact damage, gelcoat chips, pump tunnel damage, rails, decks and footwells, on any make, colour matched in house. Fibreglass and gelcoat hulls are the bread and butter. Plastic hulls such as Sea-Doo’s Polytec need different methods, so send a photo and ask.
Every Jet Ski is quoted from photos, and the quote is free. The rest of this post covers what your hull is likely made of, what can be repaired, and what to send so the quote is accurate.
Where can I get Jet Ski hull repairs done on the Gold Coast?
Most of the Jet Ski businesses that come up in a search are mechanics. They are the people for engines, pumps and electrics. A cracked or holed hull, chipped gelcoat or a scuffed deck is a fibreglass job, which is a different trade.
That is the work we do. Cross Design is a surfboard factory and fibreglass repair workshop on the southern Gold Coast, and the same hands that shape and glass surfboards repair the hulls, decks and finish of Jet Skis and boats. Joe quotes and does every job himself. Insurance work is welcome.
Fibreglass vs Polytec: what is your hull made of?
This is the first thing to work out, because it decides how the hull is repaired.
| Fibreglass, SMC and gelcoat | Polytec and other plastic hulls | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Glass fibre in a resin, either laid up in a mould or pressed as sheet moulding compound (SMC), usually finished in gelcoat or paint | A moulded plastic. Sea-Doo describes Polytec as a polypropylene based material |
| Where you see it | Most Jet Ski hulls and decks across the major makes | The Sea-Doo Spark, and some Sea-Doo deck and hull parts |
| How it looks when scratched | A glossy surface coat over a different coloured laminate underneath | Usually the same colour all the way through, with a slightly textured finish |
| How it is repaired | Ground back, laminated with resin and cloth, faired, then gelcoat or paint colour matched | Ordinary resin does not bond well to these plastics, so plastic hulls need plastic specific repairs |
| At Cross Design | Our everyday work | Ask us with a photo |
If you are not sure, the make, model and year usually answer it, and a photo of a scratch or chip helps. Send both and Joe will tell you which one you have.
What can be repaired on a Jet Ski hull?
On fibreglass and gelcoat hulls, nearly everything that is not mechanical. From the Jet Ski repairs page:
- Hull cracks: stress and impact cracks are opened up, laminated and faired back to shape.
- Impact damage: holes and crushed sections from rocks, sand bars, trailers and ramps are rebuilt in fibreglass and refinished.
- Gelcoat chips and scrapes: chips, gouges and scuffed gelcoat are filled, matched and polished.
- Pump tunnels: fibreglass damage around the pump tunnel is repaired.
- Rails, decks and footwells: chipped rails, worn decks and footwells are put right.
- Carbon and composite parts: repaired or reinforced.
Colour matching is part of every job. Gelcoat and paint are mixed, sprayed, cut and polished in our own factory. On metallics and heavy flake finishes Joe will tell you what is realistically achievable when he quotes.
Can a cracked Jet Ski hull be repaired?
Usually, yes, if it is fibreglass. A crack is ground out along its length so the repair bonds to clean, sound laminate, then rebuilt in layers of cloth and resin, faired flush and refinished. Structural cracks often get reinforcement from inside as well as outside.
What matters is catching it early. A crack below the waterline can let water into the hull, and water in a hull is the start of bigger problems. If your ski is taking on water, or you can see a crack that moves when you press it, keep it off the water until it has been looked at.
A proper repair is the kind of work we did on Pixin, a customer’s trailer sailer: a hole in the hull was repaired with 3 layers of fibreglass, and the rudder was removed, fixed and resprayed bright white with new bolts. Jet Ski hulls get the same treatment.
How much does it cost to repair a Jet Ski hull?
It depends on the size and depth of the damage, where it is on the hull, and the colour work. A gelcoat chip on the side is a very different job from a holed hull near the pump tunnel. That is why Jet Skis are not on a fixed price list. Joe prices each ski from your photos instead.
For a sense of scale, these are the guide prices on our boat job sheet. Jet Skis are smaller, so treat them as a rough reference, not a quote.
| Boat repair | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Minor gelcoat chip | $150 to $300 |
| Small crack | $250 to $600 |
| Impact damage | $500 to $2,000 |
Guide prices. Joe confirms the exact price from your photo.
The exact price for your ski comes from your photos. The full list for every craft is on the repair price list.
How quotes work
- Send photos: text close-ups of the damage and one wider shot of the whole ski on the Jet Ski repairs page, or text them to 0422 435 689.
- Add the details: make, model and year, where the damage is, how it happened if you know, and whether the hull has taken on water. If it is an insurance claim, say so.
- Free quote: joe comes back with a price and a straight answer on what the repair actually needs.
- Bring it in: drop the ski at 2/14 Nuban St, Currumbin Waters, during shop hours.
How long a ski is off the water depends on the damage and how busy the factory is. Ask when you send the photos and Joe will tell you before any work starts.
For more on reading fibreglass and gelcoat damage, see the boat gelcoat and fibreglass repair guide. For bigger craft, see boat and Jet Ski repairs.
Questions
More answers on the Jet Ski repairs page and in the FAQ.
Who repairs Jet Ski hulls on the Gold Coast?
Cross Design repairs Jet Ski hulls, decks and gelcoat at its fibreglass workshop at 2/14 Nuban St, Currumbin Waters, on the southern Gold Coast. Any make, colour matched in house, and insurance work is welcome. Send photos for a free quote.
How much is a Jet Ski hull repair?
It depends on the size, depth and position of the damage and the colour work, so every ski is quoted from photos, free. As a rough reference, our boat job sheet starts at $150 to $300 for a minor gelcoat chip and $250 to $600 for a small crack.
Can you repair a Polytec or plastic Jet Ski hull?
Polytec and other plastic hulls need different repair methods from fibreglass, because ordinary resin does not bond well to them. Send a photo and the make, model and year, and Joe will tell you straight what can be done.
Can you fix a cracked Jet Ski hull?
Usually, if it is fibreglass. The crack is ground out, rebuilt in cloth and resin, faired and refinished. If the hull is taking on water, keep the ski off the water until it has been checked.
Do you do insurance repairs on Jet Skis?
Yes, insurance repair work is welcome. Send photos and Joe will quote what the ski actually needs.
From our Google reviews
What a great business - highly quality work, went the extra mile. My Ski has never looked so good!
