Old boat repair painting question

[Spek]

I just found the forum and searched through some old posts, but did not find what I need. <br /><br />I purchased a 1969 Tarpon 16 " triple V hull boat. There is a good running 60 merc on it. I have replaced the wiring, patched the floor in the front and rear with new fiberglass. Added carpeting and new seats. <br /><br />My issue now is the paint. It was a green color that had faded and the gell coating cracked on the top railing and a few other places. It was "camoflaged" with spray paint. What I would like to do is repaint the boat a clean white. Is this possible with the cracked gell coating? If possible, is it a fairly easy do it your self thing or a pro only job. Is it worthwhile considering costs? How would I do it? Can the entire coating be sanded and repainted..what paint would be used? <br /><br />Hope someone can help. The kids are hoping to see some water action soon

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Old boat repair painting question

Spek,<br /><br />go here and click on "boat painting guide" to get you started:<br /><br /> http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/ <br /><br /><br />I'd also consider purchasing a step-by-step video.

 

[Spek]

Re: Old boat repair painting question

Thanks for the reply. I have been reading that site and all it;s tips. I think a video might be a good idea too....as the guidlines on that page are kinda generic and assume you know what you are doing. <br /><br />Are you suppose to sand all the gellcoating off? What is this gelcoat, and is it reapplied later to the new paint? I have seen threads that show a roll on one step paint that seems to finish really nice. I just don;t want to grind away on my boat with 80 grit trying to remove the spider cracks in the gellcoat, only to find they cannot be removed. <br /><br />If I take my boat out of the water after use...is that bottom paint needed?

 

[herters]

Re: Old boat repair painting question

You will not sand off all the gel coat--just sand it to "open" it up for some tooth for the new finish to adhere to. A simple way to think about gel coat is put it in the frame of mind that it is like a coat of resin.<br />John

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Old boat repair painting question

Like a waterproof coat of colored resin. Boats are not painted when new. They are covered with a coat of colored gelcoat. Problem is, they can get dull from age and weather and since most DIYers can't afford/ don't have the time/ don't have the equipment, to re- gelcoat, they get painted with marine paint designed to go over the gelcoat.

 

[jfholijr]

Re: Old boat repair painting question

Is there anything undesireable about painting vs. regelcoting?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Old boat repair painting question

Paint won't hold up like gelcoat. Properly applied and cared for gelcoat can look good for decades. Gelcoat is also suitable for below the water line while paints generally are not (bottom paints excluded). Gelcoat takes a lot more effort to apply.