Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Berger on 02/21/15 - 3:29 PM

Hi All My 1978 15' sport has great gelcote bottom but the decks have little cracks all over. These are not from impact or spider cracks, they are all about 3/8" long and run in a very random directions. They look like the gelcote just dried up. My plan is to apply a high build epoxy barrier coat primer and then a finish epoxy barrier coat. I'm pretty sure it will need multiple coats. My questions are: is this a good idea? what brand should I use? What is the sq.ft. needed for a 15'? Thanks for the help Brian

Posted by mtown on 02/21/15 - 4:16 PM

Try capt Folleys creeping crack cure. I bought some for this use but have not had a chance to use it yet.
The epoxy primer will probably look fine for a while, but from what I have read the cracks will reappear. You will also be losing no skid if you put it in those areas.
I am sure some will recommend cutting deeper and then repairing, which would probably work but is a lot more aggressive repair, and then you still have to make it look good.

Posted by Derwd24 on 02/22/15 - 9:48 AM

Take a look at this members personal page and read his descriptive comments at the bottom as I think he did something similar to what you're planning.

http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...r_id=18789

Posted by wing15601 on 02/22/15 - 10:11 AM

Epoxy barrier coat is formulated for the bottom of a boat beneath the anti fouling paint. It's purpose is to prevent osmotic blisters which is not your problem. The only permanent repair to those little cracks is to remove the gelcoat and reapply it or paint. If you don't remove the cracked gelcoat the cracks will reappear no matter what you put over them. Except maybe concrete or steel. Or, you can just learn to live with it and enjoy the boat.