Boating Basics: What is a gelcoat?

If you have noticed that new boats tend to have a shine to them and thought it was just newness, you should know that this is a gelcoat. A gelcoat is a resin that not only makes a boat glow, it also protects the boat from the elements. This protection is important for the boat’s surface and for the fiberglass at the bottom of a boat.

Sun, wind, water, dirt and debris, as well as knicks and scratches can all damage a boat’s gelcoat. The results go far beyond changing the boat’s appearance; once water gets into a boat’s fiberglass, it can cause damage if the gelcoat is not repaired. Whether you have a new boat or you buy a used boat with a gelcoat that has worn away, you will want to repair the gelcoat to get the most out of your investment.

Before you can work to maintain or repair the gelcoat on your boat, you have to figure out just how much oxidation has occurred because the work you have to do will vary depending on the damage to your boat. If you suspect oxidation has occurred, do not wait until it gets worse; repair the gelcoat as soon as you can.