fixing hull dings and gouges - to gelcoat or not to?

[jssailem]

@tipsyravensailing will be looking forward to the pictures of progress and then splash and enjoyment.

 

[DayDreamer41]

Here is a thread with some excellent pointers, from fiberglass repair, painting to woodworking.
https://forums.sailboatowners.com/i...hurricane-matthew.182553/page-12#post-1400883

 

[dlochner]

What i'm coming up bupkis on is how to go from fiberglass to wax.

I know i'm going to need to put down a primer, then a base coat, i'm thinking coppercoat (the copper dust in epoxy) for the below water line, but i'm scratching my head over the notion that there's all this existing gelcoat. I don't care if i maintain the gelcoat... do i? hahah.

For freshwater, VC-17 or one of the similar paints (I think West and Petit have similar products) works well. Once can should do the 26 with a little left over. Coppercoat is a lot of work to put on, only works so-so, requires frequent cleaning to expose more copper, and will be very difficult to remove when you or the next owner gets tired of it.

Gelcoat is fairly easy to maintain. If you are OCD, check our this thread: Tips For A Great Buff & Wax | SailboatOwners.com Forums Personally, I prefer gelcoat to paint. While paint looks good and requires little year to year maintenance, eventually it will need to be repainted. Small areas of gelcoat can be repaired and buffed and will be barely noticeable.

If you paint, do not remove the gelcoat. The underlying fiberglass will not be smooth enough to get a good paint job, even with multiple coats of primer and paint.

In terms of time, buffing out the topside this year to get a decent shine will not take much in terms of time and money and will let you get out sailing sooner. Check out this video:

and other videos from BoatWorks Today. If after buffing out the gelcoat you're not happy, then start in the fall with the sanding, fairing, and priming the boat while it is still warm.