Hi I'm new to sailing so bear with me. I am going to look at a Javelin (14) on Saturday morning and I've been told the hull has some scratches and small dings. What sort of thing should I be leary of? He states the standing and running rigging is all new along with a new rudder. I have some exprerience with autobody repair but I am not sure about fiberglass repairs... What about paint? Type? quanity, etc. I appreciate any help I can get. Thanks,Bobg.
What to look for
- Thread starter bobg17881
- Start date
- Status
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
gelcoat those dings and scratches
No need for paint if that is all the damage you see. I would be tempted to use a gelcoat restorer for the rest of the hull if it is dull. Something like Polyglow. Once you paint you will be forever painting, but it sounds like there isn't much damage. Gelcoat is fairly easy to apply and finish. You can buy small batches in autobody shops, or marine stores. Clean the area with acetone and let dry. Add a dab with hardner, (use a popsicle stick to apply) and cover with plastic wrap until it cures, remove the plastic wrap and sand with progressivly finer paper until you match the surrounding finish. Gelcoat has to cure in an airless environment, unless it has wax added to it, hence the plastic wrap.
No need for paint if that is all the damage you see. I would be tempted to use a gelcoat restorer for the rest of the hull if it is dull. Something like Polyglow. Once you paint you will be forever painting, but it sounds like there isn't much damage. Gelcoat is fairly easy to apply and finish. You can buy small batches in autobody shops, or marine stores. Clean the area with acetone and let dry. Add a dab with hardner, (use a popsicle stick to apply) and cover with plastic wrap until it cures, remove the plastic wrap and sand with progressivly finer paper until you match the surrounding finish. Gelcoat has to cure in an airless environment, unless it has wax added to it, hence the plastic wrap.
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