I’ve got a 1976 classic Montauk that I’d like to get the deck renovated (some small fiberglass repair, full deck sanded and complete reapplication of gel coat). No major issues have to be fixed, just a lot of spider cracks and other stuff that happens on a 40±year-old boat. Probably need to replace rub rail and a few rail joints.
What fiberglass shops in Charleston would you recommend that have specific BW experience with this type of work?
TIA!
Spartina Boatworks in N CHAS specializes in Whaler restoration. I don’t know that you necessarily need a specialist for this…but if want to at least consult with them and get ideas they are the local go to.
Thanks for the info!
Just break out your palm sander or belt sander and hazmat gear. Gelcoat is pretty easy to do, it just takes patience and practice. Youtube is a great resource is you are a DIY. the problem with paying someone else is it is really labor intensive.
If you are looking for a show hull Spartina is the way to go. If you want a good looking functional boat we can help you at a lot less cost
Tall Sail Marine
quote:
Originally posted by loopervetIf you are looking for a show hull Spartina is the way to go. If you want a good looking functional boat we can help you at a lot less cost
Tall Sail Marine
Thanks for responding. I’ll reach out to discuss in the next couple days!
quote:
Originally posted by Grady BunchJust break out your palm sander or belt sander and hazmat gear. Gelcoat is pretty easy to do, it just takes patience and practice. Youtube is a great resource is you are a DIY. the problem with paying someone else is it is really labor intensive.
I’ve done a lot of sanding and staining on the teak, replaced hardware and stuff, but a couple factors have prevented me from dipping my toe into the gelcoat/fiberglass repair.
What are the chances that a newbie like me could damage the fiberglass while removing the gelcoat?
76 has the non skid, correct? Might be a bit tricky as a DIY.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
quote:
Originally posted by Geronimo76 has the non skid, correct? Might be a bit tricky as a DIY.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 JohnsonWilderness Ride 115
Correct. I’ve found a couple videos about how to apply, but they seem to be specific to scenarios of repairing gel coat in a smaller area, not a complete surface refurbish where majority of the deck is non-skid.
My 79 has a few spider cracks and a couple chips on the sharp edge areas. Been that way for close to 30 years and haven’t seen a need to repair. How bad are your areas? Is it just cosmetic or serious damage?
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
Why not patch the the gel coat/fiberglass chips grind down the cracks and refill then paint?
Molded non skid would be the only thing that would make it tough.
quote:
Originally posted by GeronimoMy 79 has a few spider cracks and a couple chips on the sharp edge areas. Been that way for close to 30 years and haven’t seen a need to repair. How bad are your areas? Is it just cosmetic or serious damage?
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 JohnsonWilderness Ride 115
Cosmetic I believe, but a few could be exposing fiberglass on the transom. And it sounds like my spider cracks are more pervasive than what you’ve experienced.They cover most of the non-skid areas.
quote:
Originally posted by SouthernWakeWhy not patch the the gel coat/fiberglass chips grind down the cracks and refill then paint?
Molded non skid would be the only thing that would make it tough.
Because the non-skid covers much of the deck, the patches would look pretty funky especially with someone of my limited skills doing the work.