repairing my deck

[Davenc]

HI guys, I purchased a 1984 Bayliner Ceria about mid summer. Now that I have her re-powerd and her interior is redone, I would like to move on to the deck. Its generally in good shape, no rot.<br />It just has nicks and cracks that a boat her age would have. I like things clean and enjoy working on her. I have auto body experience and can paint to a point.<br />Whats the best product to use to re-paint the deck once I fill the cracks and nicks? I have been told by an old fiberglass boat builder not to even try as no products end up looking good.<br />I find this hard to believe.<br />Thnx for all advice in advance.<br />Dave

 

[flashback]

Re: repairing my deck

Dave, I guess the question is " how long do you want it to look good" If you take the time to remove all the hardware, fill the cracks properly, and sand and fair the surface, then spray it with a quality 2 part poly paint, then if you take care of it, you can expect it to look GREAT!!! for 8 to 10 years (relative again). If you enjoy the work, then have at it..It will look better than it did when it was built..

 

[fishingdan]

Re: repairing my deck

I agree with flash, the old-timer is wrong. You can easily repair the surface. The only thing I would add to flash's suggestions is that you don't have to spray the primer and paint. Today's 2-part linear poly urethanes can be rolled (applies the paint) and tipped (with a brush, one lightly makes a pass over the rolled area to know out air bubbles) with great results. <br /><br />Interlux's website has a informative booklet that one can download for painting:<br /><br />www.yachtpaint.com<br /><br />The West System epoxy company has a good website. Click on the Projects tab for information on different types of repairs using epoxy and fillers:<br /><br /> http://www.westsystem.com/ <br /><br />If you don't want to paint, you can repair the nicks/cracks and then apply a color matched gelcoat over the area. <br /><br />Here are a couple of links that describe the latter process:<br /><br /> http://www.fiberglass-repair.com/rshop3.html <br /> http://www.capndsboatshed.com/hullrepair.htm

 

[Dave NCarolina]

Re: repairing my deck

Thnx fellas. I think the old timer was talking about the finish not looking good. I love my boat and am restoring her as much as possible. So far shes been re-powerd,new cushions inside and now new seating on her deck. All the canvas is being redone so now the decks just look bad against all this new. <br />Is there any way to test what the finish might look like?

 

[flashback]

Re: repairing my deck

Dave, as far as a way to test short of actually doing the boat, I guess you could get a piece of fibreglass, say from an old shower enclosure and test it on that first, although the only real way is to put it on the boat itself... if your only doing the deck and not the hull, a quick and dirty way is to just roll a new coat of gelcoat on the deck and leave the roller texture. I makes a pretty decent non-slip surface..and reduces glare from the sun also...