Anyone used spectrum gelcoat?

[Cheapie408]

Just took delivery of the boat a few hours ago and noticed stress crack on the gunnel and a mickey mouse repair on one corner of the transom. I'd like to get it addressed asap. Being close to 20 yrs old, not sure if the new gel coat would match.

I've done repairs before in white boats with very good results but this color is something else.

Any suggestions on how to get the color matched to the current condition?

 

[ltlslick1]

I've used spectrum, its expensive but a decent product. Color matching is an art obviously. I've found if I add a tiny bit of white pigment to the color matched gelcoat, you can get closer to the actual color of an aged hull. Also, I believe Cecil Marine sells parker color matched gelcoat, but you'll have the same challenge on an older hull. Good luck.

 

[Cheapie408]

So the gelcoat actually lighten over time and not get darker? I would thnk it's the other way around.

here's what I'm trying to fix... the cracks is on the starboard gunnel about 20" long. The corner is on the right port side and the big chip is on the pulpit.

 

[Fishaddict]

Classic (old)Parker gelcoat will match from my limited experience because as you polish /buff the area original gel color will be reveled. You might need to repair glass as gelcoat is as tough as eggshell. For small areas you can do away with some fumed silica to add some integrity to your repair. If it is truly a stress crack and not an impact damage you need to glass first. By looking at your pictures I would repair you 1st and 2nd with thickened (gently) Parker gel. 3rd might need to be opened up in V groove style and than filled with gel but it looks like your glasswork is fractured.

 

[Puck-n-Fish]

Regardless of the extent of each repair, I second the Cecil/Parker gelcoat to finish. The repairs to my 1997 came out excellent last fall. The thing is, if you truly don't like the color of the Parker gel finish, you can always try a custom match afterward. But I think your starting with a gel that's real close.

 

[Cheapie408]

Had a local guy come and look at the boat for repair. Waiting for a quote on it. He also suggested to buy a prematched color and he will tweak it to get close to the current condition. I'm holding my breath to see how much it might cost.

 

[sydngoose]

Have cecil marine ship you the gelcoat. Why use another manufacturer? Use what Parker used originally. Your coatings specialist will tint it to accommodate the uv fading on your hull. But at least start w the correct color and shade.

Picture 1 and 3 that you posted should be an easy repair... the middle picture (aft corner)... that’s the one that’s going to cost you some money to have done properly.
Where are you located?

 

[Cheapie408]

I'm in San Jose,ca

 

[sydngoose]

I'm in San Jose,ca

I only ask because I have two guys in NE Florida that would make all those ****oos be gone...

 

[sailmaster]

The gelcote will change color between the surface and the fiberglas from sunlight exposure. The technique to fade the color so it will not be obvious is more important than the color itself. Close enough counts. Believe process using a brush shown on -boatworks today Fairing A Repair For Gelcoat | Boatworks Today
you will need to go back about four episodes but I have seen ok repairs done with his technique.
MOST IMPORTANT aggressively clean and compound the surrounding area BEFORE you start to clean off oxidized and worn colored gelcote to prep for repair

 

[Cheapie408]

curious on what it would cost to fix something like this everywhere else?

Had a guy come look and he quoted 2 weeks and $2100. Without ever looking under, claims that things need to but cut up blah blah blah.

BTW: The boat was recently detailed completed by the previous owner. I have gelcoats on it's way, I will try to attack this myself.