Gel Coat Repair in the Cabin

[Mickey Goodman]

I have a 88 Legend 37 that had a fire in the Nav station. The teak plywood had damage which I am repairing as well as the Gel coat above the Nav station had melted and a portion of the celling also had damage.I contacted a Fiberglass repairman who came out and gave me an estimate and made an apointment to do the repair but didn't show up nor will return telephone calls.I have never done Gel Coat work so I don't know how easy or difficult it is. I am handy but I don't want to bit off more than I can chew.Question 1 - Does anyone know of a person in eastern, central Massachusetts who does repair work?Question 2 - Has anyone done gel coat work? If so any tips, recommendations, observations, etc.Thanks for your HelpMickey

 

[Paul Akers]

I'll Check

Mickey, I have two marina mates who had external gelcoat work done this summer. I'll find out what I can and let you know.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Contact your insurance carrier

Even if the estimate is below your deductable, they should be able to recommend someone to do the work.

 

[D. Nelson]

Never

I have some to do and was hopeing that I could get some help from you.Anyway good luck to you.D. Nelson

 

[Dan Arsenault]

Not that hard

Hi Mickey,I've had oportunity to do some gel work and it's not that hard. The supplies you need are available at West Marine. First you need to prep the area, assuming no damage to the laminate, by sanding the area to be prepared with 220-400 paper. Mix mek (a catalyst) with the gel and reduce to a sprayable consistency with styrene, this will take some experimentation adding a little at a time. Pick up a Prevailer brand sprayer for this task and use even strokes to spray the area, building to about 7-8 mils thickness. Using a second spray bottle cover the gel with PVC (a mold release agent) which will allow the gel to set up as it's an anerobic process.Once it drys (a day) you can wet sand the area with 600 or finer grit and then buff out the area.The hardest part is getting a good color match using available pigments. Hunter may have mixed gel that will match. Give em a call.Take the time to experiment at home before you do this and you will be suprised at how good a job you can do.This is just a quick explanation to give you an idea what's involved. Pick up a book or email me if you want more info at jb12vman@hotmail.comgood luck,Dan ArsenaultSerendipity Too