Gelcoat Removal Time

[sscwhaler]

Q1: how many hours will be needed to completely remove the gel coat layer of a 1967 13-footer?

BACKSTORY
I have started the restoration of a 1967 13-foot hull. The gelcoat is in extremely rough shape.

I plan on sanding [off the gel coat layer down] to the fiberglass lamination layer, and then refinishing I will start with 60 grit using an orbital sander to remove the bulk of the old gelcoat without making the surfaces too uneven.

I understand there are many variables that will [make the time needed to accomplish a] complete removal of the gel coat on a 13-foot hull [to vary].

[Jefecinco]

Q2: is restoration of the existing gel coat possible without sanding it down completely?

If so, it would probably be worthwhile to save and restore the gel coat after sanding it just enough.

[sscwhaler]

Unfortunatelyto restore the original gelcoat is not possible. Both the interior and exterior of the hull are completely covered with deep and wide spider cracks as well as some chipping. There are also two areas that were previously repaired down to the fiberglass by the prior owner that I want to correct.

[jimh]

An inference regarding the scope of the work needed to restore a 13-footer with badly cracked gel coat can be made by watching the restoration of one 13-foot hull as presented by the youTube channel TOTALBOAT at

Boston Whaler Crazing Repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tZDBOYqdfA

I have watched this presentation several times. It is a very well done presentation, as the process is shown in total, the editing is very good, there is an excellent narration of the process, and the photography is very clear.

If you have a great deal of free time, you could also watch a much longer presentations (ten segments or more) on similar projects, such as

1971 Boston Whaler 13 total restoration - Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaSL_EZ2Ohk