Re-Gelcoating - How to deal with this crazing?

[jhulmer]

It's been debated a lot here on CF and else where. I decided it was not worth the risk and don't do it. Others have not had any problem so your mileage my very.


I forgot to mention on the 3M sprayer that I found the 2.0mm tip to be the best for shooting the gel. I wish they made a 2.2mm.

[Midday Gun]

Thanks to everyone for sharing their knowledge.

The cracks you see in the photo are fairly localised to that area of the the cabin side, there are other areas in and around the cockpit with the same problem.

I've seen other boats of the same class without these problems, so maybe it was just down to an error in the build somewhere.

Trying to avoid paint if possible & stick with gel, but worse case I will paint it.

[Squanderbucks]

Sand off the alligator of the previous gelcoat. Do not need 40 grit as gelcoat is relatively soft. Use 60-80 grit to get it down to base of the crazing. if over deep in areas spray those areas with polyester based Quicksand (from autobody shop or marine paint supply store) to fill in and fair somewhat. Can use a couple of layers if needed. Sands nicely. First 80 grit then use 180 over all to blend. Then spray and finish your final gelcoat layers,
No need in this case to do much more as they do not appear to be stress cracks just shrinkage of either too thick gelcoat or gelcoat mixed with improper amount of catalyst.