Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

[68whaler]

Everything at continuous wave seems to deal with major repair - anyone with experience with minor scratches and chips or do I just life with them?

 

[JB]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

Piece of cake, 68.<br /><br />Go to ebay, search Boston Whaler and look for gelcoat repair kit. About $20. Color matches the BW "desert tan" perfectly. <br /><br />I frankly don't remember if the '68 used desert tan. Email the seller and ask. I wouldn't be surprised if he could also supply a gelcoat repair kit for the blue interior.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[68whaler]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

Is the exterior that needs work, my blue interior is almost mint.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

I have the same question, glad you brought it up, 68Whaler. I'll be watching for replies.

 

[68whaler]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

I did someweb research and spectrjmcolor.com makes 2 oz patch kits - going to give them a try.

 

[68whaler]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

oops spectrumcolor.com

 

[JB]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

That's the guy, 68.<br /><br />Mix just a little at a time, because it sets rather quickly. A small putty knife (I used a popsickle stick) spreads it nicely.<br /><br />I suggest that you buff off any oxidation in the area first and clean the surfaces to be repaired with mineral spirits. If you can roughen the surfaces the gelcoat must stick to beforehand I think it helps.<br /><br />Good luck, and I am looking forward to pix.

 

[68whaler]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

Well, she looks pretty damn good already - still sports her original white rubrails and the original steering wheel. Broke my heart, but the console had to be replaced. Still working on the '67 Rude she was bought with.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

68 Whaler, Thanks for the research on spectrumcolor.com. I checked it out, looks like a great resource. I'd be interested in your opinion of the product should you try it out. Too bad about your console. Did you replicate the original? I love the classic appearance. Simple and functional with superior materials and workmanship. Love to see a picture.

 

[68whaler]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

Yes, new one is nearly identical. I will not however be mounting the plastic gauge and switch plate nearly as crooked as the original installation and am depending upon modern adhesives rather than the plug covered screws on the front of the original. I did order the gel coat repair kit from spectrum, will post on how that goes.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

Good news on the your new console. My '89 13' S/S console has one control(do you want the lights on or off?). What was the use of "plastic gauge and switch plate" that you mentioned? I'm wondering if you had aftermarket tach? I don't have a tach, but sometimes I wonder if I need it.

 

[68whaler]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

Plastic plate contained ammeter, choke switch and ignition switch - I am sure it was installed with the 67 Rude 40 the bought was originally purchased with. Has driven me nuts for years how crooked the original installation was.

 

[Newportme]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

I have done some repairs to my outrage 1987 22' and the spectrum desert tan matches nearly perfectly. Rough up the area wipe down with acetone fill the ding let it set a couple hours wet sand buff with rubbing comp. then finnesse it and wax you will never see it.

 

[68whaler]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

Well, we finaly had a warm enough day to try out the Spectrum gelcoat kit. I did a little math since I only need small batches and mixed one level teaspoon with two drops of the hardener, worked great. The repair was instant gratification. This stuff gets very hard so I trimmed it close to final shape with a very dull surform rasp (sharp enough to cut the not quite totally set gelcoat yet dull enough to not touch the original). The color match is just about perfect and all it now needs is final sanding and buffing. I would highly recommend this product. Now I am faced with a new dillema, the hull is soooooooooooooooooo beautiful I may need to spring for all new mahogony rather than cleaning up and refinishing the old decisions, decisions!

 

[JB]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

It's a lot of work and a lot of waiting for varnish to dry, 68, but very worthwhile to refinish it yourself.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

I'm a bit confused. I have an '89 13' S/S which I look at as "white". But, is "white" really "desert tan"?

 

[Casco Bay Outrage]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

It is most likely desert tan. They moved to white in the 90's sometime.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

OK: that's what I'm thinking too, but you never know with some of the strange names they give to colors.<br />Seeing you are down on Casco Bay, have you had any experience with the Whaler dealer there in Portland? I believe it's Port Harbor Marine.

 

[Casco Bay Outrage]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

Kwikk9 -<br /><br />Port Harbor at Spring Point is walking distance from my house.<br /><br />To date I have used them for parts only. Their parts desk has 2 really knowledgeable guys and orders (if necessary) are quick. <br /><br />They have helped me with advice on a rigging project I did myself.<br /><br />Their yard staff look okay from my observations last fall and this spring.<br /><br />Email me off line for more discussion.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Minor scratches and dings in gelcoat

CBO: Thanks for the input. My '89 hull and interior are in great shape, but, having some friendly parts guys in the area is welcomed. Are they also an Evinrude dealer?<br />You sure do have a great location. Saw your pics on another topic.