We need to start a "Ask GlassDave" section all by itself! You are great to offer up so much help to us diy guys, thank you!

Now for the question: in the coming months I intend to remodel my 84' Innovation/Kaama Scarab II. Across the back, above the rubrail, there are vertical "cracks" in the gelcoat. I've looked underneath, and there is no corresponding cracks in the glass, so I assume they are cosmetic.
I want to repaint the boat, but I don't want these "cracks" to come back, or the repairs print through the new paint job in a couple of years (I'm keeping it forever--going to have a viking funeral fire thing in the boat when I die) Is stripping and regelcoating the best way, or is there some newer technique/product that easier and faster?

Glad you asked this. I have a Raysoncraft V drive I'm about to start on that has the same issues.

this is why im here fellas lol and thanks for the kind words

let me address this on Sunday when I get back by my laptop. gonna be out of the shop tomorrow and only have my tablet and I have some illustrations to add to this thread.

We need to start a "Ask GlassDave" section all by itself! You are great to offer up so much help to us diy guys, thank you!
+1
Dave I cant thank you enough for all the advice you have given me..all of us DIY 'Boaters on a Budget" appreciate everything..know there are a few drinks waiting for you on KI or PIB if our paths ever cross!

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i'm actually on my way out the door to go boating this afternoon . . . . first time out this year lol


thanks guys, I'll be back on my laptop in the office tomorrow morning

Hey...1st time all year, you were on my boat once, you even drove it... plus we took your notorhome for a boat ride.....

OH Dave!

oops lol . . . .

The best way to minimize the cracks is to grind them through to the glass underneath and use a good vinylester with ounce and a half mat to build it back up. The cracks are probably a combination of old school build techniques, thick gel and flex. Feather them back with a 36 grit 3" Roloc on an angle grinder and build the surface back up with the FG mat. I usually grinder finish till i am close to having the area built up then do my final fairing with 3M's premium marine filler finished up to 80 grit then cap everything in with a good couple coats of a waxed white gel. Finalize the surface with 80 then 120 then 220 the your choice of primer ( I use PPG's K36 or some other 2K variant)

Thank ya sir! You're a scholar and a gentleman!

lol . . . . .