Gel Coat and Bottom Paint

From: Karl A Rohrer (Karl.A.Rohrer@parsons.com)
Date: Mon Feb 28 2000 - 13:57:22 PST


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        West Wight Potter Mailing List maintainer
                dfarrell@ridgecrest.ca.us
           List hosted by www.tscnet.com
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     As an aspiring Potter owner, I am struggling with the new vs. "used"
     question. Much of my concern about an older boat has to do with
     potential repairs and maintenance of the hull. I was wondering if
     someone on the list could enlighten me about the relationship between
     gel coat and bottom paint?
     
     My understanding is that gel coat is the outside (protective) coating
     of fiberglass and resin, designed to keep the water (and water vapors)
     out. On the other hand, bottom paint is put on to keep various
     creatures and plants from taking up residence on your hull. Is my
     differentiation correct?
     
     Now for a few questions:
     
     1. Can bottom paint be used to repair (and revive) an older boat with
     aging (read cracking) gel coat? Or is its only purpose as a growth
     inhibitor?
     
     2. Once you've gone the painted route, are you committed to
     maintaining a boat with a painted bottom?
     
     Any insights would be appreciated!
     
     
     Karl Rohrer
     Vienna, Virginia



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