[Alberg30] 35 year old bottom gelcoat?

[t.k.blanc at att.net]

I don't know what number your boat is: mine is #254.

I had a very similar pattern on my boat, small "pin 
prick" spots where the gelcoat appeared to have chipped. 
It's hard to explain the appearance. Mostly, this was up 
high on the bottom, not down near the keel.

Anyway, I just sanded, faired with epoxy fairing 
compound, sanded again, smooth and barrier-coated the 
bottom (three coats of Interlux) after letting it dry 
for a fall and winter. I also repaired some small 
blisters that were just below the gelcoat.

Three years later and the bottom still looks great. 

I think the most important part of the story is let the 
bottom dry for as long as possible - at least six 
months - before you fill and barrier coat.
> Greetings,
>     I've just hauled out the boat in Everett, WA. prior to moving up north
> to Anacortes, WA., on the edge of great cruising country:  San Juan Islands,
> the Gulf Is. of Canada, and, farther north, Desolation Sound and towards
> more desolate reaches at the N. end of Vancouver Island.
>     Motored past the Everett Navy base on the way in, noticed barrier booms
> around the ships.  They had an aircraft carrier #72, tucked in there, too---
> huge! Lots of obvious security on the shore side, as well.
>     Back to the boat though.  On scraping loose paint chips I noticed a few
> areas (about a foot square or smaller) where the gelcoat had pinpricks in
> it, through which the actual fiberglass was visible.  The gelcoat is abraded
> and "worn" looking to boot.  Does anyone have experience with this?  I'm
> wondering if simple recourse like priming with something before bottom
> painting is practical, or-- worse-- if those sections should be removed and
> reappliedk or sealed.  I'm looking for the less expensive, satisfactory
> route, not the best and most expensive, while at the same time needing a
> realistic appraisal of the situation for the long term.
>     Am also dealing with some blisters, several per side, quarter-sized or
> so, which I feel OK about dealing with-- grinding out at 1:12 ratio, taking
> the epoxy route a la West Systems. These blisters are in the chopped strand,
> deeper than the gelcoat, but not into any of the woven roving.  As I
> understand it these are not structural concerns at their smalll, contained
> sizes. 
>     Advice appreciated-- I expect there must be plenty of readers of the
> list "in the same boat."
> Thanks!
> -- 
> Randy Katz
> 910 - 32nd Ave
> Seattle, WA. 98122
> (206)-323-1941
> 
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