How to fix epoxy sealed gelcoat?

[causeway]

So, my boats previous owner painted on Epoxy over minor cracks and marks to stop water getting in. Problem is it looks a bit.... ****. I think that he thought it would dry nice and clear.

See the pictures for what i mean.

How can i try to fix this or at least make it look a little better? I was thinking some sort of sanding back? Really though, i've got no idea. Some of the areas have moulded non-slip which i imagine makes it even more difficult to fix.

The 'holes' in the deck are from epoxy filling due to water ingress, for these areas i was thinking maybe just awlgrip in a nice light grey or something? The hull is red (faded to pink!)View attachment 32572View attachment 32573.

Is this doomed to be a big paint the whole deck job?

 

[saxonpirate]

Blimey, he made a right mess there didn't he! Some people should not be let anywhere near a boat, let alone own one.

Anyway, lets start at the beginning. Are you sure its epoxy. Try giving it a good scrub with a wire brush first to see if it will come away. Maybe a little warmth from a heat gun too. All the cracks will have to be opened out slightly and filled. You could use some Plastic Padding Gelcoat in a tube if you just want to make it less of an eyesore or some body-filler if you are going to paint. Personally, I'd try to repair all the in view edges with gelcoat and paint all the deck panels with some deck paint in the colour of your choice. That would be the cheapest and quickest way of improving her cosmetically. If you are going to get into Awlgrip, you are talking a hole different ball game with the amount of prep work and money involved...

 

[causeway]

Problem is I'm not experienced with painting all that much, I've decorated a house but that's it.

Will I have to remove all the deck fittings etc? Will the mast need to be unstepped? I don't have much money to throw at this...

I should probably just stop worrying about it but I'd really like to at least do something with the main foredeck and coach roof, perhaps masonry paint? Any other grippier cheap alternatives?

 

[saxonpirate]

Is this boat a Dufour 35? If so hold back until you've got some money to spend on her otherwise you'll be putting one bodge on another and then have to remove that. Remember, if it is a Dufour 35, these boats are well sought after and have reached a sort of classic status. It might pay to just hold back for a while and think.

A job worth doing is worth doing well, especially on a boat like that. Deck paint's not that expensive, mask up all the panels, make sure you've done all your repairs and the surface is clean and abraded, make sure your paints well mixed and away you go. A light grey would look good. If you can't do the gel repairs, find someone who can and drop them a few quid, it'll be well worth it...

 

[causeway]

She is a dufour 35 and its such a great boat that I think I will take your advice and wait until funds allow a more professional job.

I'd rather be sailing anyway!

 

[saxonpirate]

I'm glad to hear it. I was actually getting upset here thinking... no don't do it. She's definitely worth a bit of money put into her along with some TLC. Just take one thing at a time, do what you feel able to, or maybe learn some new skills, for other stuff that's not in your remit... do some networking and find yourself a good freelance boatbuilder or someone who's just really handy on the tools. And keep us posted on the forum....

 

[causeway]

I've already done just about all I'm able to do, all new plumbing, new electrics. next on the list is a fridge element and reupholster.

These things will make the boat a much more comfortable place to live and really to me that's more important than the outside.

 

[saxonpirate]

Brilliant, that's good to hear. I've always liked the D35's, one of my favourite boats. A friend of mine who I met in Faro/Portugal had one called 'Joshua'... lots of work went into that. I've come close to buying one myself on a couple of occasions, but was either pipped at the post or someone was asking a bit too much. Great sailing boat though and will be well worth your while bringing her along, as you are doing..

 

[causeway]

She's a very practical, if not traditionally beautiful boat. Thanks for your encouragement. So much to do, so little money!

 

[William_H]

The material that has been used for the repair may be epoxy which has changed colour and deteriorated with UV. Epoxy should always be painted over. Or it may be polyester that was never the correct colour or has faded or not faded.
If it is epoxy then it really should be painted over. Either way you can perhaps improve the look by attacking with fine wet and dry sand paper. This hopefully will remove the excess and leave just the filler in the hole which will at least be a lot smaller.
Painting the deck will be the last resort. It does make it look good and covers all sorts of repairs. You can remove all fittings but this is a lot of work.
I did mine without removing fittings. It can look a bit tacky at the edge of the fittings but is OK.
If you do pant the deck then you smooth out the non skid so need to add more grit in some form. Never looks as good as original. However once you have gone to paint it is easy to touch up and generally keep it looking smart at least at a distance.
Do try to paint in the same colour as the original gel coat so wear or scratches don't show up so much.
As said it is a real, concern type decision for a valuable boat. Not so hard for a cheap boat. good luck olewill