Fiberglass Advice Needed

[waldo27]

Guys,

I have a buddy that is looking at a used boat. It is an early 90's model and he told me the gel coat is completely gone and there are ripples in the fiberglass on one of the back corners (possible damage from a swim ladder). Sorry I don't have pics, in fact I haven't even seen the boat yet just got a description from him. What I'd like to know is (1) how much it normally costs to have a new gel coat sprayed on and (2) should he be concerned about the ripples on the back corner of the boat. He thinks that the motor is in excellent condition, we're going to find out before he buys. He also thinks he can get the boat at a pretty good price. Should he stay away due to the damage I mentioned or can these things be fixed fairly easily?

Thanks,
Waldo

[DIXIEDOG]

Unless it's dirt cheap and he can do the Gel Coat himself I would walk away. It's going to cost a lot to fix correctly. (repairs will be in thousands not hundreds)

[waldo27]

Is the gel coat something that a novice should even attempt to do by themselves? Also I am a little worried about the "ripples". Could that be water damage and de-lamination of the fiberglass?

Thanks,
Waldo

[DIXIEDOG]

No it's not an easy do it yourself job. If your friend hasn't done it before he won't want to. I've been quoted 3k+ to have my old boat gelcoated and that still won't repair the "ripples" I would pass on the boat, there are alot of deals on good boats out there that don't need any work.

[ProcraftMike]

Ripples probably means busted up fiberglass. If you are looking for a boat to fish out of, it will probably work with some work. But, I would not put the money into an old boat to have it re-gelled.

[Higgy]

I would walk away from that one