FIBERGLASS GEL COAT BOAT REPAIR

"Gelcoating is the shiny layer on the boat that gives it its flair and good looks. Over time, this layer can be chipped off, weathered, or can even crack. When this happens, it can lead to many more potential problems as the underlayment can become damaged once the gelcoat is gone. When this happens, it is important to be able to get the gel coat applied again to your boat to not only protect it, but to keep your boat looking amazing.

"Gel coating is the shiny layer on the boat that gives it its flair and good looks. Over time, this layer can be chipped off, weathered, or can even crack. When this happens, it can lead to many more potential problems as the underlayment can become damaged once the gel coat is gone. When this happens, it is important to be able to get the gel coat applied again to your boat to not only protect it, but to keep your boat looking amazing.

"Spider cracks are non-structural damage to the gel-coat of a boat. This damage is often caused by slight flexing of the hull. These hairline fractures also occur in boats of the mid 1970's vintage which often had thicker gel-coat layers than newer boats. This thicker gel-coat cannot stand ANY flexing without showing cracks.

"Is osmosis preventable? It's estimated that one in four fiberglass boats will get gelcoat blisters in its lifetime. The obvious answer is yes, there are preventative measures you can take to slow down and delay this occurrence. The first line of defense is your boatsgelcoat. Apply a barrier coating to new hulls before commissioning other protective measures such as dry storage, frequent spot repair of defects in the gelcoat and additional hull coat­ings will help slow down and delay the possibility of blis­ters forming. Epoxy coatings applied on a sound, dry hull provide a durable, water-resistant barrier; however no system is foolproof. Even epoxy coatings allow some absorption. The key to a successful repair is to remove all of the dam­aged laminate, thoroughly dry the hull and correctly apply the barrier coats. To reduce the possibility of blis­ters reoccurring keep the bilge as dry as possible and the boat well ventilated. Install additional vents to eliminate condensation. Solar-powered vents offer an efficient and affordable means of increasing air flow. Finally, check the barrier coat annually. If scraped and dinged, repair and recoat promptly.

"Dry rot may seem like a problem for wooden boats, but many boats, including those with fiberglass hulls, have wooden stringers and wall studs that can be affected by dry rot. Some of the factors involved in dry rot include the age of your boat, the type of materials used in construction, whether the boat is used and stored in a humid environment, how the boat is stored during the boating season, and how the boat is cared for while in winter storage. If your regular inspections turn up the signs of dry rot, immediate action is necessary.

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