I just [found] this forum and am so glad that I did. This weekend I start the restoration of my 1975 Boston Whaler 13-footer. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. For the topside, I plan on following the instructions of this YouTube video, and some other similar videos I've found:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUOlWPvgLfQ&t=
I've already purchased all of the products mentioned in the video.
Fairing Compound: https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/product.do?process=checkout&part=440098
Primer: https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/product.do?process=checkout&part=490671
Paint: https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/product.do?process=checkout&part=409307
Here are my questions:
- The current color of my gelcoat is Desert Tan, but I love the Whaler Blue. After the sanding, crazing repair, epoxy, etc., do you see any problems painting the new color (blue) over the old (tan)?
I've seen several mentions of sanding off the non-slip surface. Mine has some tiny, tiny cracks, but nothing major like the other more prominent cracks in the gelcoat in other parts of the boat. What are your thoughts on the non-slip surface? Do people sand it away because it makes prepping and painting that surface easier? If it isn't that bad at all and only has some hairline cracks, is it ok to try and just a light sanding, priming, and paint to fill in those cracks?
Is the entire bottom of the boat gel-coated? I've only bought product right now to focus on the top side, but I also want to clean up the bottom side. There are no cracks on the bottom, just some chips here and there and small gouges (nothing that let's water in) in the finish that I would like to epoxy and repair. Can any of you offer any advice for that part? Can I use the same epoxy and primer that I have for the top side? If not, what do you recommend? And also, what about paint? Obviously, something close to the existing color is fine.
I plan to document and blog the entire experience this Fall and Winter and will be taking lots and lots of photos along the way. Can't wait to have her back in the water next Spring.
Thanks again for any advice you may be able to offer!
- Stephen