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Good morning all,
I have been lucky enough to purchase a 1978 montauk 17 from the original owner, its spent half its life in freshwater of canada but the rest in florida uncovered except for the RPS seat and console. There small cracks in certain areas of the gelcoat interior and some larger ones especially in the aft area where the rigging passes to the console. I am a marine tech so rigging, electrical,and engine not an issue. Fiberglass unfortunately is not my area of expertise. I've been told by a fiberglass guy that unless i sand all the gelcoat off, any gelcoat sprayed over the old will eventually lift off. he recommended painting the entire hull in and out after repairing any issues. This is going to be my retirement boat and i want her to look her best to eventually be passed on to my grand kids. Thoughts? Also correct colors, i researched and i believe the interior is desent tan and hull grey.
Thank you all
A photograph of the issues you are concerned about would be helpful to those wanting to help. I'm no fiberglass or gelcoat expert but will offer a couple of things. Google "Spectrum Fiberglass Repair Kit" which will provide some useful information for repairing the larger cracks. The lesser cracks may be best left alone, depending on their severity. Older Boston Whaler boats all seem to suffer from some crazing of their gelcoat. Many owners accept that as part of the package and leave it alone. Using a boat cover and maintaining a good coat of wax will help to prevent further crazing.
