How to repair mild gel coat cracking on 1984 hunter 27

[givlucas]

Hello I bought a 1984 hunter 27 about a year ago to get into sailing. Besides some minor cosmetic issues it was in great condition. When I purchased the boat it came with some small cracks and pinholes in the gel coat. I took it out this season anyway but Id like to have it fixed up before the next. If its an issue anyway.

I don't have any experience working with gel coat or fiber glass and I was hoping someone could point me towards some good resources. Or give some advice.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

read my comments here regarding waxed gel coat.

Gelcoat or paste for touch ups and spider cracks?

Which do you prefer for getting rid of gelcoat blemishes?

forums.sailboatowners.com

I've learned after many years of endless sanding that the most important thing is to get the waste thickness over the original gel coat as thin as possible using the tape as a thickness guide.

You may get lucky if your gel coat is pure white. I hear colour matching is a bear.

 

[jssailem]

A resource I like is Andy at BoatworksToday.com

Here is a link regarding “stress cracks”.

He has multiple fiberglass projects that can help you.

 

[Indysailor]

A resource I like is Andy at BoatworksToday.com

Here is a link regarding “stress cracks”.

He has multiple fiberglass projects that can help you.

He has a very good guide to matching color as well. The most difficult part about that iny opinion is getting the correct amount of light. I prefer slightly overcast.