Dear Members
This week marks a personal milestone for me. Two years ago, I left my old career behind and transitioned into a new role more closely aligned with my interests in sailing and, in particular, boat restoration. Moving from an office environment into a trade has been very rewarding, at times challenging, but I have learnt a great deal and have never looked back. With this in mind, I thought I would use this theme in my article.
For all boat owners, general upkeep and maintenance are all part of ownership. Whether you DIY or engage a contractor, understanding and keeping your boat shipshape is all part of being a yachtie/boatie.
I thought I would share five tips on gelcoat maintenance or repairs.
- Boats live in a harsh environment, and UV is not a friend of gelcoat. Regular washing, polishing and the use of a marine-based wax will help extend the life of the gelcoat.
- The common reality is that most boats will, at some stage, get a ding, scratch, or crack. Most production boats are built with polyester resin. Small dings or scratches can be touched up with gelcoat, which can be thickened to form a paste.
- Colour matching is more art than science. Source colour online or make your own with pigments. Remember, UV affects gelcoat colour over time.
- Older boats may have been painted, so repairs may need to be done with filler and paint, not gelcoat.
- Choosing whether to use polyester or epoxy for bigger repairs depends on several factors. Polyester resin or gelcoat cannot be used over epoxy, but epoxy can be used over polyester.
Over the years, I have had a lot of people from the Club provide me with tips, tricks and advice on maintaining my yacht, and this is one of the great things about being a member we are willing to help and provide advice to other members. If you do require some help, reach out, and someone will be available to help.
The 2nd of our SMART classes is running this week, on race start procedures and tactics, and we have two more, with one on weather and the final one on boat safety. Check the website or newsletter for more information.
Have a great week ahead!
Peter Gebhardt
Rear Commodore