1970's Fibreglass hull surface repair

[timmynz]

I have a 1970's ski boat. It was been left in the weather over the years and is showing it years. On the top side there are significant cracks in what I assume is the gel coat. Also the gloss has worn away and is no longer smooth. I believe its likely to get worse if left to much longer. Photos here

I am after advice in the best way to repair at home, i don't have the finances to take to an expert. I am thinking of re-painting the whole top side of the boat. Any advice in the procedure, materials and tools required would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Woodonglass]

Yeah Mother Nature has take a toll. No worries. Some 60 grit and a Random orbit sander and a few hours of nasty sanding and she'll be ready for a new paint job. Any major cracks should be filled with a good fiberglass filler. I make my own but you can buy some 3M Premium Filler to do the job. If the glass fibers under the gelcoat are fraying or damaged then you'll need to use some resin and glass to repair it first then apply the filler.Power wash the boat first and then start the sanding process. Check the Link in my signature below for a Good economical method to paint your boat. You can roll it on and it'll almost look like you sprayed it. Cost will be under $100 bucks. Let us know if you have further questions.

 

[timmynz]

Thanks for your reply. I am from New Zealand (over side of the world) and can't see a supplier for majic paints over here.

Why do you recommend tractor paints? Is it because its cheaper?

Marine based seems to be just as cheap over here as tractor paints. Any reason I should not be able to use a roller with the linked paint here.

Now i mentioned painting the boat but am also wondering if it would be possible to repair the gelcoat? Could I drivel out the big cracks and refill with more gelcoat. I wonder if the rest could be sanded and then buffed? Or do you think its to far gone.

Appreciate any thoughts about the pro's and cons of each method.

Many thanks for your help so far!

 

[Woodonglass]

You mentioned finances as an issue so the paint method I posted is very cost effective and at the same time very durable. It is NOT a good method if you're boat will be in the water for more than a couple of weeks at one time. ANY Oil based Acrylic Enamel paint will work with the method. Adding the catalyst aids in drying, additional High Gloss and durability. It really is very effective. The paint you posted will work fine but it's about 3 times more expensive. Dremeling out the cracks will work but is very labor intensive. You can add Cabosil to the Gelcoat to thicken it and then use a bondo spreader to drag the mix over the cracks to fill them. You always need to clean the areas well with acetone prior to the filling process.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you can also re-gel the whole boat if you want.