UV damage to topside gel coat

[MAURICE]

So my 1996 Moody 44 has started showing signs of UV damage to the top white GRP. Its starting to get spider cracks on several parts I've had a look on you tube and there's two ways to go simple paint or flow coat. Any body had experience with flow coat doing this its quite a big job and something ill have to do eventually. Flow coat is harder wearing and would last for years.
Thanks Maurice

 

[lustyd]

Well applied normal paint will last about 5 years and you'll never be able to avoid painting again. Putting up with some spider cracks is the best option in my opinion until it causes a real issue, and at that point I'd try my best to touch up with gelcoat. If the boat is worth it then a proper two part paint well applied is the way to go, but that requires significant prep, good conditions and ideally a qualified sprayer. Badly applied two part paints come off in sheets when they fail

 

[Plum]

So my 1996 Moody 44 has started showing signs of UV damage to the top white GRP. Its starting to get spider cracks on several parts I've had a look on you tube and there's two ways to go simple paint or flow coat. Any body had experience with flow coat doing this its quite a big job and something ill have to do eventually. Flow coat is harder wearing and would last for years.
Thanks Maurice

Can you post a photo so we know what you mean by "spider cracks", please

 

[MAURICE]

Boats in Portugal im back in UK

 

[PCUK]

You will need to either grind out each crack individually or more easily, grind off the whole area. You then either re-gel or fair with epoxy filler and paint. If you just coat over the cracks, they will very soon return.

 

[Graham376]

Is this the type of damage? Usually caused by UV damage where gel has worn very thin. I would use gel, not paint. If OP is member of MOA, there are threads about crazing gel.

 

[Caer Urfa]

'IF' you go the flo coat route my advice is cover everything nearby as it splashes easily and you won't get it off later

 

[William_H]

Badly applied two part paints come off in sheets when they fail

I would be the worst bodger but have success with 2 pack polyurethane paint brushed on to decks and top sides. Quite tough and never came off.
However to the OP painting decks will smooth out the anti skid requiring grit or similar. So avoid if possible. Also do not do decks in white. Just too much glare. Beige is the colour to go for. Eventually you may have to paint decks but put it off for as long as possible. Tiny cracks in gel coat no problem. ol'will

 

[MAURICE]

Graham exactly as in pic thanks all