Does Gelcoat add any more protection over Epoxy?

[Luhrs28]

I've done the inside work patching over a bunch of defunct thru-hull holes on my old Luhrs and I'm about to start on the outside of those same areas. What I'm wondering is, can I just do the Epoxy/biax, let cure, sand smooth and slap on the bottom paint? Or does the Gelcoat really add another level of protection?

If the Gelcoat is really only for a sleek-n-shiny appearance I might skip it since nobody but me is going to see the bottom before I paint it.

Thanks,

Bert

 

[Kiwifisher]

Re: Does Gelcoat add any more protection over Epoxy?

Gelcoat does not adhere to epoxy so just sand smooth and paint.

 

[ghamby]

Re: Does Gelcoat add any more protection over Epoxy?

Gel-coat resists UV, epoxy doesn't.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Does Gelcoat add any more protection over Epoxy?

I would put a few coats of just epoxy after your fairing work before you bottom paint to seal it. Prep your epoxy for paint of cource .

YD.

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: Does Gelcoat add any more protection over Epoxy?

OK very good. Thanks for the replies.

Bert