Restore fiberglass hull

[Hqheath]

Hey all
What is your opinion on the best value, easiest way to restore the surface of a Fiberglass hull without having to go to the extent of re-fibreglassing?
Cheers Heath

[todd88]

Are you meaning the outside of the hull, a decent cut and polish like 3m perfect it wil make alot of difference but you will need a proper buff and wool pad to do it. Other option is to have it sprayed with 2 Pack paint. Most expensive option is to do a full jelcoat re spray (alot of work involved). I had my last boat 2 pack painted with a custom color for $400 and I sanded the hull up and filled all scratches and chips etc ready to be painted. This was hull sides and transom only.

[Hqheath]

Thanks Todd88
Yeah it's the bottom of the hull and sides and yeah I need to repair chips and scratches then have it coated. In what I'm not sure. I've seen some products advertised that can be brushed on or sprayed on that apparently give a tough exterior coating. If anyone has used these types of products, I would love to hear any experiences or thoughts.
Cheers Heath

[todd88]

2 pack paint would be your best option, I sprayed the bottom of mine myself to save a few dollars. Gelcoat can be sprayed and is more durable but will need to be wet rubbed to and polished to achieve a good finish.

[freshjacker]

Hey mate,
2-pak paint is a big NO NO, on the hull of a boat, these two different surface finishes do not bond well together. Have seen many boats over the years and and no matter how well, or good of a job the 2-pak was in the beginng it will not go the distance in the long run. Once the 2-pak bond is broken/scratched it will slowly but surely start to peel back. Boat rollers and trailer skids will make a mess off it quick smart The only true way to get a good durable finish is with gel-coat. Yes the cost is around about three times as much but its one of those cases of 'you get what you pay for'. The process for it is three times as long hence the price.

[Chamelion]

Originally Posted by freshjacker

Hey mate,
2-pak paint is a big NO NO, on the hull of a boat, these two different surface finishes do not bond well together. Have seen many boats over the years and and no matter how well, or good of a job the 2-pak was in the beginng it will not go the distance in the long run. Once the 2-pak bond is broken/scratched it will slowly but surely start to peel back. Boat rollers and trailer skids will make a mess off it quick smart The only true way to get a good durable finish is with gel-coat. Yes the cost is around about three times as much but its one of those cases of 'you get what you pay for'. The process for it is three times as long hence the price.

This.. I had a big hole in my bow repaired and they opted to paint it rather than re-gelcoat. After literally half a dozen re-applications it was still peeling, so I took it elsewhere and had it gelcoated.

[todd88]

2 pack is fine if it's done with proper preparation. If a hull is sprayed with gelcoat the entire are sprayed will have to be rubbed back and polished. Being a boat builder I've seen it done and it's a pretty big job. I had my last boat for 5 years and the 2 pack was fine, couple of stone chips from dirt roads but that's it