Re: Gel Coat
Actually, Fiberglass using gelcoat was used as early as 1958 on the Sea King models of boats sold by Montgomery Ward. But these boats were built by several builders under the Wards brand. I cannot say if it was common practice until the mid-sixties.
GC is right, Before that is was paint over wood. The paint was usually a high oil content paint which would absorb into the dry wood and help seal the craft. Before that it was pitch and rope. Oil soaked Rope was hammered into the seams and any open area on the wooden hulls and then the entire bottom was painted with pitch (tar) to seal it.
Here is some history:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat
There is also an article here about whether to paint fiberglass boats.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Paint.htm
That should give you some insight. Gelcoat is not the only option (Really). Many will say that it is the ONLY option, but unless you can afford to use the best quality Gelcoat (most expensive) and have a great deal of working knowledge about application it can be a very COSTLY lesson in why people pay so much to have their boats redone by professionals.
Due to the fact that gelcoat and painted on boats are so often left exposed to the elements (salt water/Sun/weather) they won't last more than a couple of years any way.
I personally have come to the conclusion that with small recreational boats that are not living in the water, repairing any nicks, cuts and gouges by filling and sanding and then using a decent quality anti-fouling paint (Sprayed on) and several clear coats of sealer (polyglycoat..etc. Also sprayed on) you can get the result you want at a price you can afford and the finish will last just as long as Gelcoat (if properly maintained).
I am in the middle of a restoration right now and I am prepping, masking and painting a small 17' cabin cruiser in a plastic spray paint booth in my garage. I guarantee that when I'm done she will be beautiful.
If you take care of the finish by covering the boat or storing it indoors and cleaning with non-abrasive cleaning products it will last just as long and look just as good. No one will ever know the difference. You can get all of the painting tools at your local Harbor freight tools outlet (compressor, paint guns etc..) for around three-hundred bucks. The paint will cost you a little more depending on the grade and quality of paint you use (It can cost you a lot less than a pro job if you can properly do the work yourself). Overall however (I can't stress this enough), the look will only be as good as the amount of preperation you do before you ever pick up a can of paint.
Either way, Gelcoat or Paint will oxidize after a few years and begin to grey. The more care you take, washing, waxing and wiping is what will eventually determine how your boat will look two years from now. You will have to become a fanatic about it if you want to maintain the clean appearance of your boat.
If you are thinking about hand painting in any case, you are asking for trouble. Hand painting with big brush strokes always looks shabby to me everytime. Nothing looks as good as a sprayed on finish if you can do it..
Hope this helps,
D Man
