I inherited a boat a couple of years back - 5m cabin cruiser, fibreglass hull, looks a little like a Shetland but it's not quite a match. No idea what model it actually is. As far as I can tell it's a 1960s hull so presumably some variation on polyester? Anyway, previous owners had painted it with oil based gloss as the gel coat had long since departed. I'd like now to strip it back to the glass, fill the various little scars it has, then repaint with 2 part or maybe apply gel.
First challenge is how to remove the old paint. Any suggestions? Are there chemical stripping formulas out there that won't affect polyester resin? I reckon there's about 30 square meters (320 sq ft) of exterior surface to deal with.
Next question is, what would you recommend for filling minor damage in a polyester hull? And finally - should I choose gel or 2 part? I've not gel'd before, willing to learn, but conscious of my lack of experience.
The boat is kept dry berthed most of the time, though does sometimes spend a few days in the water before retrieval at our marina.
Thanks in advance for your experience and wisdom, iboaters!
First challenge is how to remove the old paint. Any suggestions? Are there chemical stripping formulas out there that won't affect polyester resin? I reckon there's about 30 square meters (320 sq ft) of exterior surface to deal with.
Next question is, what would you recommend for filling minor damage in a polyester hull? And finally - should I choose gel or 2 part? I've not gel'd before, willing to learn, but conscious of my lack of experience.
The boat is kept dry berthed most of the time, though does sometimes spend a few days in the water before retrieval at our marina.
Thanks in advance for your experience and wisdom, iboaters!
."" stripping done .