revamp the exterior???

[kev_79]

Hey guys, I know this isn't an engine question, but I think I'll get the best advice here. I don't know much at all about repainting, bodywork, etc. as far as the exterior. Anybody care to take the time to bring me up to par on it, any help would be much appreciated. I do though keep hearing about something called gel-coat and would like to know what it is, how to apply, and a ballpark figure on getting some of this stuff. The boat is still pretty, but the local docks are doing a number on her.<br /><br />BTW it is a 90 bayliner capri 18 footer

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Well just finished 9 months of what you are thinking about doing....I stripped down a Welcraft V-20, all hardware, screws wire, fuel tank, EVERTYTHING. I then applied gelcoat, Its an epoxy mix , I used what is called duratec, mix it 50/50 with gelcoat, mix 1 qt at a time, get about 10 minutes before sets up. need to sand entire surface. frine out old hole, yes must make them bigger before can be repaired, Learning to fiberglass can be learned in a couple of attempts. biggest part is learning to work with the "pot" life of mixture. Some pople use epoxy, I used this below water line and general purpose above. Epoxy much stronger and resistant to chemicals and water. It come is 2:1 3:1 4:1 and 5:1, with 5:1 being hardest to work with, sand, but toughest among all. IF your boat just has a couple of sings, just rub it out and save yourself major $$$$ in materials, trips to fiberglass and hardware stores West Marine or Boat US (do not but materials there, WAY overpriced.<br />And once you start, no turning back, Because no sense doing it half @#@##! So if your handy, go get an air compressor, and orbital grinder, sander, air file, spray gun (2) cuz you have resin cure in one, and thats a job in itself. Many sheets of sanpaer , fillers, variaties of fiberglass. If you want more detail, just post and i will send you a more in depth description as to what it took me. In base materials ( glass, resin sandpaer fill compounds and gelcoat and duratec, about 600. But that isnt including tools or replaced hardware on boat.

 

[Walter]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Wow...that sounds like a heck of a lot of work! Personally, I don't know if a 1990 Bayline Capri is worth all that trouble. No offense, but I'd be willing to bet you could fine another in better condition than yours for much less than you'd ultimately spend on a project as involved as what Mike's going through. A Wellcraft I'd consider doing...a 1990 Bayliner Capri? Huh-uh...<br /><br />Too bad you don't live closer to me 'cause I'd send you some very good fiberglass buffing compound that a local company produces. This spring I stripped my 1980 Beachcraft of all hardware etc. and spent a couple days on it using this stuff with a rotary buffer and wow...she looks as good as new!<br /><br />By the way Kev...I sure don't mean to 'dis your boat...owning a Beachcraft is'nt much to brag about either. But Bayliner stamped those Capris out by the tens of thousands and a truly quality boat they are not. My suggestion would be to try sprucing her up with a good McGuire's compound & wax, buy yourself some extra bumpers, and enjoy your boat!<br /><br />Walt

 

[Walter]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Kev...<br /><br />I've re-read my above reply and want to clarify something. If re-vamping your Bayliner is something you're truly interested in doing...then by all means go for it. I was only trying to say that a project as detailed as the one Mike describes doing on his Wellcraft would be very time consuming and expensive for anyone...especially if they didn't own any of the tools he mentioned. I only wanted for you to ask yourself if it would be worth it? However, on the other hand, once you buy those tools...and you find it's something you enjoy doing...then what the heck? The sky (ok, horizon) is the limit!<br /><br />Again, I hope I didn't offend you with my comment about the Bayliner Capri...they're a sexy looking boat but not one that holds it's resale value real well. I just hope you aren't believing that if you were to revamp her exterior that you could expect to regain your time and expense when you go to sell. I know I'll never realize what I've dumped into my Beachcraft. A lot of folks (including myself) wonder why I ever put the kind of money and effort into restoring that thing. Well, I guess the reason is because she was my first boat. I bought her brand new long before I had a wife, kids, or mortgage. She helped develop in my kids the same love and respect I have for open water, and each of them learned to ski behind her as well. But when you put all that sentimental crap aside...really...the biggest reason is that I'm simply a frickin' idiot! NO BODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD EVER DUMP THAT KIND OF MONEY INTO A 21 YEAR OLD BOAT! Well, that is...unless you're a regular on this board. Truth is, I think most of you people are as nutty as I am...<br /><br />Good luck Kev...<br /><br />Walt

 

[stinger1]

Re: revamp the exterior???

THERE ARE A LOT OF US NUTS OUT THERE. I AM RESTORING A 1977 STINGER BASS BOAT MERC 850.<br />I AM JUST DOING THE NUTS AND BOLTS, THE MECHANICAL. AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED SHES AN OLD FISHING BOAT AND TO CATCH BASS YOU HAVE TO GO WHERE THEY ARE. I BUMP HER INTO STUMPS LOGS AND EVERYTHING ELSE. I COULD GIVE A HOOT ABOUT WHAT SHE LOOKS LIKE. BUT WHEN I TURN THE KEY I WANT HER TO START AND RUN.<br /><br />HAVE FUN<br />SOUNDS LIKE QUITE A PROJECT

 

[kev_79]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Thanks walt, for the second reply. I was going to reply early, but decided to bite my tongue. I understand that it isn't personal, and unfortunately have to respect your opinion because it is probably true. She had a force 90 til I took $1000 of spare parts and built a '89/94/95 merc 115 for a power supply. Your right about the depreciation, but luckily I bought it used, and since it is worth more to me than anyone else, I think I'll keep her. I've just bumped it around on the docks a little, have a few deep scratches from various things. Also, I have been looking around for a cheap beater to fix up, so I thought the info would come in handy. Had my eye on an old tri-hull cobolt, but turned out it already ran. I'm looking for something that floats, but everything else needing work. If ya see anything, let me know. I thank you again for you courtesy and advice. Also thank you mike for being in good detail. When I get this stuff together, I would like to contact you on the matter if that's ok.

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Heck Kev, A few deep scratches, Geez, no big deal, go get some Marine_tex, GOOD stuff for cosmetcis touch up, Hey, If she floats, she's a boat, and thats what it's all about my friend........<br /><br />MM

 

[kev_79]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Thanks mike, will that stuff work on different colors? How's it work? <br /><br />Thanks, <br />Kev

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: revamp the exterior???

It comes in a nifty little box, It is white by default, waht you can do ais buy a Gelcoat repair kit which comes with several colrs to belnd to match. But the marine tex is good stuff and could just add piment to it. Pigment is sound usually by the ounce, relatively cheap, about 4 bucks for pigment and about 10 for a little box set of marine-tex, 2 part mixture, gets about as thick as pancake better to work with (mind you MY pancake batter REAL thick). First thing though would be to run some sandpaper through scrath for better adhesion. THin with plactic spatula, cost 49 cents, spread your batter. Let dry, sand, maybe another coat needed. Remember many thin mucho better 1 thick. And with any thing cosmetic, PREPERATION + PATIENCE = GOOD RESULT!!!!<br />

 

[Bobby Powell]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Mike-<br /><br />Is your welcraft a Center console? I have a '84 Center console that I am working on...(been neglected by past owner).<br /><br />I dont know any of the weight capacities or people capacities as my tag has fadded so much that it is unreadable <br /><br />I have a 20' Welcraft Center Console with a (I think) V20 hull. If your boat matches my boats description do you mind sharing the info???<br /><br />Thank you for any help-<br />Bobby

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: revamp the exterior???

I will get information for you, my tag is a little worn out, but legible, will get info tonight and post. Yep belive both used step v hull, I have had boat for 6 years, when I got it it was a liitle rough,but lived in apt complex and rules prohibited me from working on it. Now have my own crib and neighbors love to hear that compressor fire up all weekend ....LOL<br /><br /><br />MM

 

[Bobby Powell]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Yeah mine needs some cosmetic work too and I found your info above helpful...I was wondering...now that you boat looks new...wanna trade jk<br /><br />I will be looking foward to getting the info from you. Thank you!!!<br /><br />Bobby

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: revamp the exterior???

I scanned my plate. It looked like crap, I will get info and type it out tonight.

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Booby, my plate is in very sad shape, here is what I can make out<br /><br />Wellcraft V-20 OB..... <br />Rated: 200 HP.....<br /><br />Next line is a weight value of: 1050<br /><br />Next line is a value of 2125 <br /><br />This appears to be max weight, Motor and gear included. Hope this helps. What is your email, I have some pics that would curl your blood, with it all gutted out.<br /><br />MM

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: revamp the exterior???

Got ahead of myself there, My is a 1979 Step Lift V-20, Cuddy cabin, Has deep motor well for OB mount. Had Johnson 175 on it, BLOWED up, then 200 Merc, that got tired, Now going to a EFI Offshore motor. Should be in water in2 weeks, buttoning up some electrical, putting in Dri-Deck floor, mount seat and will be Sea-Worthy, Havent touched the cuddy yet, Except for all new wood, but have not carpeted interior, if you call it that yet!<br />I it weird, growing up I said, sometime I am going to have one of those boats, Finally got it about 7 years ago. I would have settled for a 21 Nova though. If you get into restoring it, Go slow and easy, most of my mistake scame because a have a LACK OF PATIENCE.. Ended up doing thing 3 times. But that is the way I am built.....LOL<br /><br />MM

 

[Bobby Powell]

Re: revamp the exterior???

MM-<br />Thanks for the Info...maybe they should have located the plate elsewhere where so the sun could not fade it!<br /><br />My e-mail is byknbob@earthlink.net, feel free to e-mail me I am interested to see what it looks like.<br /><br />Mine is powered by a Merc 90 IL6 '84. It does a fair job of getting me around, It just doesn't get me to the fishing spot first! <br /><br />Good luck on the maiden voyage...can't wait to hear your report...looks like Walt enjoyed every minute of his. Hope you can do the same.<br /><br />Bobby Powell