Question about Gel coat on the bottom of Hull

[esfishdoc]

I'm going through some per striper season maitenance... and on the bottome of the hull wihere there is contact with the front bunk of the trailer I have worn through the gel coat from the many launches and loads I do....There is an area about 6 inches in diameter on each side....

So the question is....should I just paint some epoxy over it.... or should I use gel coat? I don't care so much how it looks under there....(If you saw how I use/abuse my boat you would understand.

whaddaya think?

Thanks... and have a great day!!!!!

Richard

 

[Megabyte]

If protection is what you are after, I'd use epoxy. Much tougher than gel-coat and non-permeable.

 

[esfishdoc]

Thanks Kevin... that is what I was hoping to hear. Plus, I've got plenty of it.

 

[Bryan 2530]

I remember reading something about mixing graphite powder with epoxy to make it more durable and slicker, seems like that would be appropriate in this situation. Might want to look into it.

I think it was in a West System, Epoxy works magazine. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[Bryan 2530]

Worth a read...

"The graphite isn't necessary unless you plan to give your canoe hard use where it will be frequently called upon for whitewater or in shallow streams where it will be dragged over abrasive sand, gravel, and rocks. In this type of use the "black bottom", as we call it, does two things: the graphite acts as a lubricant to make the hull slide more easily over the obstruction; secondly, it provides a wear surface which makes it easy to see how much wear the hull has taken. If you can see the clear fiberglass, it is time to touch up your black bottom." (Gil Gilpatrick, Building a Strip Canoe, p.109)

http://tomangelakis.tripod.com/graphite_bottom.htm

 

[B-Faithful]

I am getting scrapes on the bottom of my brand new boat too. I so made a mistake not insisting upon a ROLLER TRAILER ! :shock: :x

 

[jeffnick]

I'd use a little fiberglass tape with that epoxy.

 

[gw204]

I would use white Interprotect from Interlux. It's a 2-part epoxy paint specifically designed to combat water penetration.

But if the laminate is actually damaged, jeffnick is right. Build up the area with some light cloth and mat, grind/sand flush and then Interprotect.

 

[MaxOut]

I am getting scrapes on the bottom of my brand new boat too. I so made a mistake not insisting upon a ROLLER TRAILER ! :shock: :x

Just the bottom paint I hope :? A painted boat will not hold up on bunks if you launch and retrive often. You need a roller.

 

[B-Faithful]

yes, just the paint. I do wonder how long before the teflon slicks start to wear on the bottom though. Roller trailer will be in the works for next year.