I beached the boat once in a sand bar last year. Now I have some scratches on the bottom . I am having a hard time finding some one to fix it now and from what I’ve read, I guess I can do it my self.

My understanding about gelcoat is that it’s a +/- 1/16" layer of resin with color and luster?

I’ve been told to:

Sand 1 ½" around the area in need of gelcoat with no 80,
Apply the gel with a plastic squeegee, let dry
Then sand with 400 , 600……800…….1000…. with a sanding block
Polish with compound the entire area…

Is that it? Will the surface match and shine like it was originally?

I found two places where I can order the perfect color matched white gelcoat for my 2003 Baja.

No, it's not that easy.

It always looks easy on paper, but you can try. You will then see why the good guys are always booked up!

ditto. . . . or PM Gordo and ask him that question


honestly its years of experiance that make it go smoothly (notice i didnt say easy )

When someone makes it look easy, then you call them professional. Hey, am I being followed?

Thanks Guys,

Finally hired someone to have it done.

I observed him working so I'l know how to do it next time...

Here is a trick I learned from Him : Spray some primer paint over the scored surface ... You'l know when to stop sanding since the primer will fill the scores in the gel.

yep . . . its called a tracer coat

I have called it "guide coat" and use Dykem (lay out fluid) which is dark blue and applied with a rag and is usually dilluted with acetone. Same principal for sanding out scratches and blocking out low spots. There, now I killed the thread(at least part of it). The legacy lives on!

nothing gets by you G . . .

I use red dyekem on all gelcoat.