a gelcoat question

[lifewithoutlimits2008]

Okay so ive searched the forums over and over and cant find an answer so I guess Ill ask. Were fiberglass boats ever made without gelcoat? I have an old 50s or 60s cabin boat in restoration. and Im not sure if the original coat was gelcoat or paint. I know that they use gelcoat as a mold release now... but what about back in the day? I am planning to gelcoat it again and know I cant apply over paint and the original layer is really hard to sand but im not sure if it is just really good paint or gelcoat. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oops!]

Re: a gelcoat question

tough to say....they did anything way back when.....tryed lots of stuff.

look for crazing......if you see it ....its gellcoat....paint crazing is different.

post close up pics if you can

 

[oops!]

Re: a gelcoat question

oh,,,,,and by the way.....re gellcoating the boat is HUGE work and not nessary.

bty huge.....i mean really huge.........i ve done it....never again...

cheers
oops

 

[lifewithoutlimits2008]

Re: a gelcoat question

Thanks. I looked up some pics of Crazing and Ive determined that it is gelcoat. boy that makes life easier. As for gelcoat being a pain... Ive heard that from many and also some say its not bad. I think im up for the challenge. Half the fun in rebuilding is the challenging stuff . I guess Ill see how it goes, especially since I already ordered the gelcoat.