Cracked/Worn/Blistered Gelcoat - Repairable?

[Manos1955]

Two weeks not enough time Need couple of months
No problem with gell coat Apply a good epoxy filler and then an epoxy paint
Epoxy paint is better compared to gellcoat to keep water out of the grp
But the bottom should dry well If you want to go back in to the water in two weeks use heaters

[Uplander]

To check moisture levels tape on a piece of plastic (about A5 size and tape right round it), leave it for a day and then check for condensation. It will show up on the plastic.
Would be surprised if the hull would dry in a couple of weeks though.

[Stumble]

It's old cheap boats wouldn't stress it too much unless you want to drop a lot of money on a racing bottom. Jeff is honest, and Seabrook does fair work, the major issue I have had with them is a few of the yard guys have done some seriously stupid things in the past, but the yard has always made it right.

Personally I wouldn't bother trying to dry out the hull in New Orleans summers. If you really want to do it then do a quick bottom job now and pull and strip it in the winter. Trying to dry out anything in 90% humidity and daily rain is just an exercise in futility.

For now I would follow Jeff's advice. Grind, fill, fair, and paint, and for the price quoted I wouldn't even think of doing it myself. It's hard, hot, and brutal work this time of year. Plus where they are in the industrial canal gets zero breeze making it even worse.

[UNCIVILIZED]

The big question is about $. As it's unlikely you'll get back what you put into this job when you sell her. Especially as she's small, & not a new design. So the bottom line is how much coin do you care to sink into her?

[chris00seven]

Thanks for the responses everyone!

I wanted to clarify that the ~$1000 for the bottom job only includes haul out/pressure wash/blasting and Sea Hawk bottom paint. Lay days and the $350 barrier coat are extra. No fill/fair for the blisters is included. I have asked SeaBrook to quote this.

Peeling the bottom is not in the cards.

I would tackle the grind/fill/fair myself but just don't have the time, even if the weather was more agreeable.