Cracked gel coat

[dirtyoldman]

I have a 1969 Mark Twain with a very cracked up gel coat. I was toying with the idea of repainting it for this next year and doing the interior the year after, or just selling it and getting a newer boat.

What is involved with repainting the boat? Do I need to fill all those cracks int eh gel coat with something or is there some kind of self leveling paint that can make it look OK? I have a few areas on the bottom that need fiberglass work, but I'll have to do those to sell them as it takes on a fair amount of water.

How do I get started?

 

[kandil]

Re: Cracked gel coat

I have a 1969 Mark Twain with a very cracked up gel coat. I was toying with the idea of repainting it for this next year and doing the interior the year after, or just selling it and getting a newer boat.

What is involved with repainting the boat? Do I need to fill all those cracks int eh gel coat with something or is there some kind of self leveling paint that can make it look OK? I have a few areas on the bottom that need fiberglass work, but I'll have to do those to sell them as it takes on a fair amount of water.

How do I get started?

you need to fix the water leak first befor you think about painting it so I would start with the FG work. you will need a grinder to start and a good mask or it might be a good idea to sell it as a project boat and get your self some thing nicer that does not take on water.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Cracked gel coat

Without smoothing out the surface.... self leveling paint will take on the contour of the cracks.

I would fix the leaks and check for other water damage..... water soaked foam, stringer condition and transom condition.

You really should check everything considering it is 40 years old. I doubt you will ever see a financial return if you fix it up.... some one also suggested to sell it as a project boat. If it only needs fresh paint and you enjoy the boat then by all means repaint it. Do a search for "tip and roll" and you will see some painting ideas.

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: Cracked gel coat

I'll do a search. I'm not sure I really want to do it. The interior really needs some minor work, but mechanically it couldn't be better. The only thing I'd change is to put a sunning deck on it.

I probably just need to buy another boat.