Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by bruser on 04/29/09 - 9:03 AM

Ok, I have sprayed gel on the hull of the 17 and the finish has orange peel to the extreme. It has a "stipple" finish before sanding. I have sanded the sides(220 grit) and am planning to roll and tip with paint ( I'm worn out with gel coat, not my skill set) The question is what is the down side of leving the bottom with the texture it has? lost performance?
Looking for some input. The finish is real consistant (and the wife likes it):o but I'm not sold....

Posted by bruser on 04/30/09 - 6:32 AM

Eri:
Thanks for the reply. That is what I was thinking. Its not a racing boat after all, and the fish won't care what it looks like:D

Posted by Blue_Northern on 04/30/09 - 12:21 PM

When you say paint it you are talking about a below the water line anti-fouling? If that is you plan I do not think it will make much difference. All the other areas can be worked on a little at a time till you get the entire boat done. I am sanding my hull 1973 outrage hull now and just try to work a foot or two every few days or in a week. Good Luck!

Posted by bruser on 04/30/09 - 1:28 PM

The sides of the boat hqave been sanded smooth(220 grit) and I'm thinking instead of putting on more coats of gel coat, to do roll and tip a 2 part epoxy paint on the sanded sides. This is a trailer boat so no anit-fouling is necessary. Just looking for a consistant finish on the sides... I think I will leave the bottom as it is.

Posted by Eri on 05/01/09 - 6:17 AM

Gel coat is pourous to the expoxy sealer/paint is a good idea over any sanded areas. Believe it or not it gelcoat does aborb water over time but will not be as susceptable to absorbtion if you dont sand it. The Awlgrip system uses an epoxy based system that includes an epoxy sealer/primer before you paint with the topcoat. The expoxy paints kinda flow out as they dry leaving a very smooth finish.

Posted by bruser on 05/01/09 - 7:50 AM

Eri wrote:
Gel coat is pourous to the expoxy sealer/paint is a good idea over any sanded areas. Believe it or not it gelcoat does aborb water over time but will not be as susceptable to absorbtion if you dont sand it. The Awlgrip system uses an epoxy based system that includes an epoxy sealer/primer before you paint with the topcoat. The expoxy paints kinda flow out as they dry leaving a very smooth finish.

Eri:
Thanks, you are confirming my thoughts. I have spent so much time working with the gelcoat, and this boat will not be classified as a "classic" when it is finished. I'm looking for a glossy finish and felt gel was the way to go. Now I realize that I should have gone with 2 part from the begining.