Good evening everyone,

Please forgive me if this isn't the right area or the fact that I'm a total newbie when it comes to boats/repairs at this point. I just purchased my first bass boat from a trusted friend from work, a 1996 Champion 191 elite. I Had the engine checked (Shop said engine was good). Did a quick look over prior to pulling the trigger and didn't see any noticeable scratches or cracking on the gel coat. He garaged it for 20 years and always keeps his things in immaculate condition. I know he would have disclosed it if he knew/thought about it. <br>

Only thing I was really planning on doing for the boat was adding a keel-guard, re-carpeting it, rewiring the electrical with a battery switch, new TM, new graphs and maybe reupholstering the seats. I was just showing my brother the boat a couple minutes ago when I saw a chip at the stern of the boat on the bottom. I would never have noticed it had I not been down checking the plug because of the rear roller and frame on the trailer.

After finding the damage I re-checked the rest of the underside and it's clean, no damage or apparent scratches.

Is this something I need to have fixed ASAP? Is it something I can do myself or should I have it done at a shop? I'm familiar with fiberglass and have worked with it before albiet not in the marine realm or having the deal with paint/gel coat. I use to do custom audio as a hobby in my younger days and did a lot of fiberglassing in that arena for interiors of vehicles.

I have attached some photos to reference. Any help would be appreciated. Hopefully its an easy fix that wont cost too much $$. I want to get it out on the water since I haven't even taken it out yet.

Thanks for any input/advice.
-J