Bilge Gelcoat Repair - 2006 44DA

[Sindbad]

There are many posts about this topic, but wanted to highlight a question. The issue of flaking of gelcoat in bilge seems quite common on certain vintage SRs. To repair properly, the Spectrum "Bilge Oyster" should be applied to affected area. However, a quart costs over $200. Alternatively, there are several quart size gelcoats (with wax) on the market in white, at a substantially cheaper cost. Question: would repairing areas with white gelcoat, then painting with matching color work?

Thanks.

 

[Strecker25]

On my old boat i used totalboat's Total Bilge epoxy paint. It worked fine and was way cheaper, smells like crazy though

not the 'OEM way' but it did the job after I had to glass in some new plywood

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Back in February, when I had the water heater out for replacement i did a test.

Got a quart of BILGEKOTE GREY and mixed up a small batch WITH A HARDENER.

Painted under the water heater and some additional areas - then I did a test in several spots. (did NOT touch any flaked off areas)

It's now August, nothing has flaked off, and the product remains shiny, smooth and far, FAR easier to clean than the factory grey surface.

While painting the bilge is way down my list of necessary tasks, once I figure out how to prepare the flaking areas, I plan on using the BILGEKOTE product, not just in the engine room, but in all the cabin floor lockers as well.

I'd love to hear some examples of successful prep to the peeling areas.

BEST !

RWS

 

[The Bill Collector]

I wasn't fiberglassing anything so this is what I use...

 

[dtfeld]

I used Total Boat Total Bilge (in white) paint to do the underside of my swim platform, turned out great.

I sanded ,scraped, picked at and tried all kinds of things to get rid of all the flaking, but every time I thought I had faired out the flaked edges, more would come loose. I finally ran out of time and had to paint.

It did a great job, and sealed up all the edges. Great stuff.

Total Boat Bilge Coat

 

[Sindbad]

Thanks to all. Appreciate your input. Looks like there are various less costly options.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Sherwin Williams makes an epoxy industrial coating product called TILE CLAD

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/painting-contractors/products/tileclad-hs

It is, however not to be used where it is exposed to UV light.

Lots of folks over at THE HULL TRUTH forum swear by it for use in a bilge.

Again, the real question is- HOW TO PREPARE THE EXISTING SURFACE so the coating will not peel, lift or flake.

BEST !

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

I have two bilge pump wells, one forward in the engine room and one aft. Over three years ago I painted the forward one and only cleaned the area and then painted. Total Boat Bilge Coat has not discolored or lifted at all. Great paint.

 

[Sindbad]

Sherwin Williams makes an epoxy industrial coating product called TILE CLAD

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/painting-contractors/products/tileclad-hs

It is, however not to be used where it is exposed to UV light.

Lots of folks over at THE HULL TRUTH forum swear by it for use in a bilge.

Again, the real question is- HOW TO PREPARE THE EXISTING SURFACE so the coating will not peel, lift or flake.

BEST !

RWS

Thanks. S-W are excellent products.