Project Lowrider – Entry #1: First Cut, First Fix

First Repair: Soft Spot on the Rear Deck

1. The Damage:
   This was a deep blistered patch with old water intrusion. You can see the corrosion and rot right down to the fiberglass mesh—a telltale sign of saturation over time.

2. The Grind:
   I opened it up wide to find the edge of solid glass. Prepped the area with a good taper using a flap disc until the structural grid held firm. No fluff left—just bare honesty.

3. The Fix:
   Mixed a batch of epoxy peanut butter with West System 404 high-density filler, laid in a few staggered layers of biaxial mat to tie it all back in solid. The green cure here means we’re locked in. One cold beer and one cure cycle later, she’s stronger than before.

4. The Vision:
   This is just the first patch in a series of resurrection acts. Every scar tells a story—and this one’s now sealed in epoxy.

I’ll keep updating this build journal as we move forward. We’ve got a long way to go:
✅ Deck layout rebuild
✅ New nonskid coating (Kiwigrip or TotalTread—jury’s out)
✅ Console cleanup and rewire
✅ Gelcoat refresh
✅ Poling platform, trolling motor, and rod storage
✅ Branding her with the Outlaw bird up front where she belongs

And then—she’ll be ready to earn her name on the water.

Next up: fairing and primer, then sanding the top cap down for new grip and color. Stay tuned.
– Matthew