NACRA 5.7 refurb: Gel Coat or Paint?

As the cure goes on, the finish gets brighter and tighter. This is where all the prep work really shows. Anything not perfect when starting the finish coat shows. It's getting better, and yet the few sags are there on the right hull, on the inside under the tramp. I will say, I had at least 1/4 quart of waste on this coat. It's a lot of paint, so no problem coating both hulls, rudders, centerboards and anything else if you're inclined using 1-quart.


Countdown to launch! We are T-minus 12 hours. The boat is rigged with new lines, but not much else other than the fresh paint. It will be good to finally be back on the water. I do need some new shock cord for the front trapeze. Disappointed to find the old one was frayed.

And we finally had a launch. On a day that reached 90 degrees with winds out of south gusting to 15+ mph after noon it was a great day. Arrived at the launch around 9:30 and recruited some help to step the mast. Since it was the first time being rigged, there were a lot of small details that took a couple hours to completely get ready. Finally took of into a fair breeze. Of course beaching on the gravel beach has a special pain now knowing, that that beautiful finish will need to be maintained on the bottom. The pictures below were in the morning in calm winds. The iPhone doesn't go out when the hulls are out of the water, but the spray over the bow and bridle wire seemed smoother. 🙂
So, I'm sailing again...are you?

I have had a great month of sailing so far on the newly finished hulls. I have had a lot of compliments on the appearance, of the boat. While it's nothing new to sail circles around my friends with H-16 and P-16 cats, it seems to move faster and quietly in the water.j, and so far nothing to drain from the plugs at the end of the day... life is good.
Looks great!
My N5.7 was pulled out of the water six days ago. It had been sitting on a finger pier in a (protected) bay. It was not easy to dismantle due to all the corrosion, but I have got it apart and started sanding. It was painted once before with what I have determined is a two part paint of some description. Should be sanded and ready for primer this weekend.
I will post up the photos so far this weekend.


bermuda wrote: Looks great!
My N5.7 was pulled out of the water six days ago. It had been sitting on a finger pier in a (protected) bay. It was not easy to dismantle due to all the corrosion, but I have got it apart and started sanding. It was painted once before with what I have determined is a two part paint of some description. Should be sanded and ready for primer this weekend.
I will post up the photos so far this weekend.
I look forward to seeing your project. Its a lot of work, but worth it when you're done.
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