Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

[73Chrysler105]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Gelcoat is just poly resin with additives. It will not fully harden without the wax or a coat of PVA on the top layer to seal it from the air.you won't need to paint it if you gelcoat. If you want to just paint it use WOG's paint and techniques. you should probably still put a layer of glass over the entire seam of the seat to the hull not just 4 small tabs. Resin will harden without wax but the last layer you put on should contain a wax or be coated with PVA to fully cure faster.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

This^^^ is true. GelCoat is a tougher more long lasting surface finish than paint. It does require wax or PVA in the final coat to ensure proper cure. The final Coat of Poly Resin Needs wax in it as well. You would then to a sand down and wash down with Acetone if you were going to Paint. If you were going to Gelcoat then you would NOT use Wax at ANYTIME in the Poly Resin. ONLY in the Final layer of Gelcoat. Gelcoating the outer layer of the Hull would be a PITA IMHO and I would not advice doing it. I would Paint it. but the inner hull does not require as smooth of a finish and might be a good candidate for a rolled on Gelcoat finish. Just a thought. You can do as you see fit.

 

[Something2do]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

Thank you WOG and 73Chrysler. You Iboats guys are the best and I appreciate you experience and advice.

Just so I am clear, make sure my summary below is correct:

If final layer is Gel Coat:
-No wax in any previous layers
-Wax or PVA in final coat of Gel Coat

If final layer is Resin/Glass:
- No wax in any previous layers
- Wax in final layer of Resin/Glass

I think I will roll on the gel on the inside of the boat and paint the hull as advised. How do I add wax to the gelcoat? I am ordering from US composites.

How much Gel will I need to cover just the inside? The boat is 14ft and about 3-4 feet wide at the largest width.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Practice Boat - New Transom, Gel Coat, Seats

You are correct.
A gallon of Gelcoat Rolled on should give the coverage you need on the inside of the boat. The wax additive comes with the gelcoat and is added at about a 10% ratio to the last mix. Gelcoat also uses MEKP hardener which will also come with the order.

 

[Something2do]

I have been off the forum for some time and wanted to post a final update to this project. I actually did finally finish this first fiberglass boat project and it turned out great. I spent about a week earlier in the spring doing all the final work. I used WOG's painting technique for the outside and rolled on some gelcoat on the inside. It is by no means a showboat, but as you can see in the photos, we have had a great time in the little green boat and have used it to catch some nice fish on lake Bastrop.



My wife and sister in-law with the kids for a joyride:


(my boys) out on a joyride

My oldest with a great bass I had just snagged with a 10" powerworm: Notice the hastily installed front seat

 

[Something2do]

I want to thank WOG and all the other great Iboat's members that helped me so much with my first fiberglass boat experience. It is a great feeling to be able to enjoy something that you put so much time and effort into. The work I did on the little boat inspired me to do another project. It isn't fiberglass, but I did use some of those skills in parts of the project. [rebuild thread on another pontoon stuff forum]

We turned this (1989 30' Tracker Party Hut)





Into This:





And now I have this in the garage: (18ft Pro Craft Bass boat)





So, it does become something of an obsession for those of you who have been watching from the sidelines. Boats are great and the people from Iboats Forums even better. Thanks guys!

 

[jigngrub]

Looks like someone has been bitten by the bug!

All of your work looks great! Are you going to do us a thread on the bass boat?

 

[Woodonglass]

WOW...JUST WOW!!!! Looks like you went above and beyond when it comes to DIY'n. I'd say you're due for one of these...



Thanks for Sharin'

Good luck on the Bass Boat!!!

 

[Something2do]

Thanks everyone. Could not have done it all without your help. The bass boat is a simple overhaul. New Carpet, older rehabbed motor, and buffing of the fiberglass. Not too intense. I have been taking pictures and will post the little project once I get some time.

 

[Woodonglass]

Have you checked the transom on that bass boat to ensure it's in Good Shape??

 

[Something2do]

I gave the original motor a pretty hard up and down and did not see any flex in the transom. I also poked around a bit everywhere I could access. Seems very solid. The first owner kept it covered in closed storage and babied it pretty good. The second owner left it in the sun a bit too much and oxidized the gel coat a bit.

 

[Something2do]

removed comment

 

[jigngrub]

The second owner left it in the sun a bit too much and oxidized the gel coat a bit.

Even though that happened, I noticed the paint on that boat still looked pretty good and not like the paint on a ragged out rotten bass boat.

 

[Woodonglass]

What's the wood in the motor mount holes look like in the transom? Are there any other holes in the transom where you can ascertain it's condition? Tow eyes that can be removed etc...?

 

[Something2do]

That is because I didn't show a before picture! all these pics are after a few days of buffing and polishing. Looks great now and it doesn't even have wax yet. Will post a new rebuild thread showing the progress soon. Thanks everyone.

 

[jigngrub]

That is because I didn't show a before picture! all these pics are after a few days of buffing and polishing. Looks great now and it doesn't even have wax yet. Will post a new rebuild thread showing the progress soon. Thanks everyone.

Ok... you cheated.

 

[78 V21]

Cool boat! good idea doing a small one for practice. Wish I had done the same. I instead jumped in with both feet. I gutted a 21 foot wellcraft, deck, stringers, bulkheads, now transom. Came here with questions, a boat friend of mine says to make my transom 25 inches vs the original 20 inch. Is there any pros or cons that would be a deciding factor to which height is used?

 

[Woodonglass]

78V21 You should familiarize yourself with our rules. Only the OP is allowed to post to this thread since it's been more than 90 days since anyone has posted to it. You should start your own thread about your project and you'll get plenty of responses there.

Welcome to iBoats!!!