Gel-coat quality

[Theraven]

Here's my list of the worst gel's I've run into, Carver's, Californian', Lurhs, Ocean Yachts,Bertram,silverton/meridian, egg harbor,Catalina's, bayliners, searays can range from terrible to amazing. Chances are that's I've run into some bunk gel coats, overall from my experience this is what I've noticed.

[aplusmarine]

viking, lazarra, and all the italian boats.

[Theraven]

Hatteras

[aplusmarine]

probably easier to name which boats have the best gel. Hats are painted.

[Theraven]

I've never done Hats, but just threw it out there. The one question that's hard to find is , how to tell if a boat is paint or gel-coat. Sometimes it's obvious ,at times it's hard to tell.

[aplusmarine]

Most custom sport fish will be painted, as well as all the bigger yachts (100+ ft.) The more you do the easier it will be for you to tell the difference.

[Chase_910]

Most custom sport fish will be painted, as well as all the bigger yachts (100+ ft.) The more you do the easier it will be for you to tell the difference.

aplusmarine how do you tell the difference between paint or gel coat before you start buffing?

[Mastercraft241]

aplusmarine how do you tell the difference between paint or gel coat before you start buffing?

Do a test spot you can tell pretty easily. If there's no color transfer, its clear coat... if the color runs its gel.

[allenk4]

Last post is not totally accurate

If a boat is gel coat, it will not have a clear coat

My Baja had white, blue, yellow and red gel coat. When wet sanded the color comes off white, blue, yellow and red.

Many newer boats, particularly ski/wakeboard boats are white gel coat with stickers for the graphics.

[Chase_910]

Do a test spot you can tell pretty easily. If there's no color transfer, its clear coat... if the color runs its gel.

Thanks Mastercraft - that is how I do it currently - just wondering if there was some other process.