ANOTHER gel coat vs paint question

Personally I would stick with the original coating. Gelcoat is not that difficult. I had several nicks and hair line cracks on one of hulls as well as an area of exposed fiberglass on one of the bottoms. Not too bad though as the glass hadn't been compromised just the gelcoat.

I mixed it up and layed it on. Fortunately my H16 is white. Keep in mind that age will change the color of all gelcoat. If you have to color match it will make the job more difficult.

Paint is no where as durable as gelcoat and will have to be re-applied at least a few years later. No mater how delicately you beach your cat it's still like rubbing it against sand paper.

The only catch to gelcoat is the working time. You can't mix too much up or it will set before you get in on the hull. I recommend a little Styrene Polymer to aid in thining and flow. I tried several application techniquies but ended up using a foam brush for larger areas. The smoother you put it on the less sanding you'll have to do.

I used Evercoat finish gelcoat because it will air dry and doesn't require PVA to cure. I worked in small areas and mixed 1 or 2 ounces at a time. The temps were upper 70's and the humidity was 40% or so. Not too critical but not hot or wet. I worked in the shade also. I would mix 1oz gelcoat with 14 drops of MEKP. If I needed a more fluid mix I would add the Styrene Polymer. It will make the mix less opaque so limit the volume. You can mix Styrene Polymer with gelcoat up to a 1:1 ration and it will still cure.

Prep is important. Clean the surface with Acetone. Don't thin the gel with Acetone. Lots of people say you can but it can introduce problems with cure time and outcome.

Send a private message if you have questions.

if you want to change colors then paint but if not then gel coat patches would do fine. the trick is color matching the gel coat. there are some videos on youtube that are helpful but chances are they will not be perfect. if the repair areas are numerous and large, then paint is easier. both paint and gel coat will scratch and wear off the keels, gel coat is tougher, but still will scratch.

edited by: coastrat, Apr 26, 2010 - 02:30 PM

I would do gel coat, it is not that hard, and kind of fun. While I try, I have yet to color match the light tan of my boat well, but I can live with the results.

Thanks everyone. I am going to stick with the gel coat. I like the idea of painting, but then I would get all crazy with wanting to keep it looking good. Gel coat scratches are not as noticeable.

UFgator I might send a PM down the road.

Also another turn off was the toxicity of 2 part paint...I have forced induction respirators and full body suits (dont ask why), but I rather not get sick or die over a catamaran.

Send a message anytime. I check the site periodically throughout the day. I did some gelcoat work yesterday. Had a nasty spot of marinetex from previous owner and I got tired of looking at the yellow smudge on the clean white deck.

Martin, you are gonna need more than gel-coat skills to get your sandy hobie (avitar) back in race shape...

UFgator wrote: Had a nasty spot of marinetex from previous owner and I got tired of looking at the yellow smudge on the clean white deck.

I have that too.

Has anyone gel coated the checkered pattern on top of the hulls? The ones for grip to walk on?
I have a spider crack running through a section of that.

If the spider crack is from flexing, it will just come back, unless somehow you eliminate the flexing. If it is not flexing, you can widen the crack, just a bit, and fill it. Not sure how you could replicate the pattern.

Check out this video at about minutes 1:50 to 2:30.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWEE6SFUdpg

there are ways to get the non-skid back (but they wont match the original pattern unless you use a... pattern, or screen or similar.

some people add sand or grit additive to gelcoat. this is great for traction, but will leave you with lots of scratches, blood, etc (on your knees/legs)

there is also a texture spray paint that they sell at some Ace hardwares. I know it comes in white, not sure about any other color. if you want more info on it, i will ask my friend who uses it.

andrewscott wrote: there are ways to get the non-skid back (but they wont match the original pattern unless you use a... pattern, or screen or similar.

I think I will worry about getting the boat in proper sailing condition before worrying about the hatching pattern. Plus if anyone tries standing on my hulls they deserve to slip into the briny deep. 😆

kgatesman wrote: If the spider crack is from flexing, it will just come back, unless somehow you eliminate the flexing. If it is not flexing, you can widen the crack, just a bit, and fill it.

The crack is due to a loose wing socket and thin gel coat. I am going to structurally re enforce the hulls from the inside where the socket meets the underside of the deck of the hull.

put some pressure on the spot where its cracked and listen for cracking sounds, there could be some slight de-lam going on. check out my photo album in the members albums(prindle 16 hull repair and paint), we addressed the same issues on my starboard hull. its not a big deal to repair at all and its stronger than ever.

edited by: coastrat, Apr 27, 2010 - 11:17 AM

You like that Andrew! Pensacola looked a lot like that after Hurricane Ivan in '04.

Mas Epoxies makes a non skid mold and repair kit. I haven't tried it yet but looks like a good product. As long as the fiberglass under the gelcoat is still firm and not delaminated you can definately use this product to replace your non skid pattern. The list #301 and #103 as Hobie non skid patterns. You'll have to look closely to make sure which of the two is yours. You can pick the molds up at West Marine or Minicraft of Florida. I know there was an article in Hobie Hotlines back about a year ago that stepped you through non skid repair using a mold setup and use. You have to buy the silcone mold mixing kit to make it up as well as a good section of non skid on your deck to make the pattern. Mas Epoxy's product seems easier. They have a video on the site demonstrating the product.

I think the molds are made by Gibco.

http://www.masepoxies.com/public/

http://www.minicraft.com/

mma600psi wrote: Thanks everyone. I am going to stick with the gel coat. I like the idea of painting, but then I would get all crazy with wanting to keep it looking good. Gel coat scratches are not as noticeable.

UFgator I might send a PM down the road.

Also another turn off was the toxicity of 2 part paint...I have forced induction respirators and full body suits (dont ask why), but I rather not get sick or die over a catamaran.

If you'd use a paint system, you would have to remove all the gel-coat...

Ya don't have to remove the gel-coat for painting... use 80 grit so the paint or primer has something to grab on to. After your coats of paint (2-4) sand between coats. 120 or finer.... so thoes coats has something to hold on to. My paints are still holding on and I've done a number of boats.