76 Haskell, oxidization and paint fading, suggestions how to repair, restore?

Hello, new guy on the forum, seeking good input and suggestions for bringing life back to my 1976 Haskell jetboats finish.

Its a 17ft fiberglass with years of sunfading and oxidization, former owner stored it with poly plastic sheets over it and they bleached the color out of some of the deck (see photos)

I should mention that I am a retired guy with nothing but time and desire to make it look top notch again, so if I can get the best possible advice in what to do, I should be able to provide great "after shots" when its done, showing before and afters.

Re: 76 Haskell, oxidization and paint fading, suggestions how to repair, restore?

hi....welcome to iboats !

first of all.....is it paint or gellcoat?

there is a big difference.

if its paint.....just 3m rubbing compound and lots of elbow grease...then a good wax and you are good to go....miracle cures are like snake oil....they are total lies....they only work for a month or two......to do this properly...it will take time and effort.......
but yoiu will be good for a few years with average waxing.

gellcoat is a different story....but still.....needs elbow grease.

Re: 76 Haskell, oxidization and paint fading, suggestions how to repair, restore?

To me, it looks like its paint on top of gelcoat, but I dont know the honest answer.

I dont like the color anyways, is there such a thing as re-applying new gel coat with color in it?

Re: 76 Haskell, oxidization and paint fading, suggestions how to repair, restore?

lol....yes there is......but its a boat load of work...lol.

once a boat is painted.....unless all the paint comes off.....it cannot be re gelled.
at the point you are at......i would re paint.

if you want gellcoat.....you need to sand off all the paint....and get to the gellcoat....then cuff that up to 80 grit......

spraying gellcoat is a real art.....it can be done by a first timer.....but its lots of work....and you can make any color of gellcoat you want.

Re: 76 Haskell, oxidization and paint fading, suggestions how to repair, restore?

I agree about painting, it seems like the most practical method that would be the best use of time.

Then the next series of questions goes directly to...urethane, enamel or ?

I was thinking it would look nice with a Steerman yellow with either orange and red flames or orange and red stripes that curved and crossed over each other. Its a beautiful boat with great lines, and I think a very eye catching color with primary contrasts would really set it off, especially sitting on the blue lake water...

Various yellow samples here: http://www.colorserver.net/showcolor.asp?fs=33538+33655+33696+33793

Re: 76 Haskell, oxidization and paint fading, suggestions how to repair, restore?

The easiest way to tell if its gelcoat or paint is to look for some scratches. If the scratch is very shallow and there is a definite color different then more than likely it's paint. Gelcoat is a solid color throughout the thickness of the film and a light scratch will still maintain it's color. That being said, some dark color gels when scratched will appear white at the base of the scratch. If you take some water and wet the scratch out it will turn back to the color until it dries.

If you're looking to give the 'ol girl a face lift I would seriously consider paint (my preference is a urethane; Awlgrip line (actually Awlcraft2000 as it's buffable and easier to repair). It's a little pricey, but the finish and longevity are great. Paint Vs gelcoat is a topic that's been debated to great extent; there are pro's and cons to each, however if this is your first time tackling something like this paint has a shorter learning curve in my opinion.

Hope this helps!

~BWT

Re: 76 Haskell, oxidization and paint fading, suggestions how to repair, restore?

... waiting for a Vaseline guy to chime in.:facepalm:

Re: 76 Haskell, oxidization and paint fading, suggestions how to repair, restore?

I will read up on the Awlgrip and Awlxxxx line of products. From the little bit I have read they sound like great marine products and will suit the purpose nicely for this boat.

Cant thank you guys enough for the great input and suggestions. Saved me a lot of legwork and research, great to be able to tap into you guys expertise!