Mini OB Boat conversion to Mini Jet Boat

[LilWake]

Sorry for the lack of updates. As i mentioned this was my buddy Tristans first attempt at gel coat. Things didnt quite as well as planned the first time around. He learned from that and sprayed the gel he had left hoping for enough to have complete coverage. As he started to level thing out and remove orange peel he burnt through some areas which tells me it was way to thin all the way around.

I sent him another gallon and this time he will be mixing 50/50 with duratec high gloss additive. This will act as a reducer and make spraying it much easier. It also eliminates the need for wax. I also provided him a decent gel gun (2.3tip) so he didnt have to used a drilled out cheapo gun.

The gel should arrive to him today and im hoping to see a little progress by mid week. My fingers are crossed.

[midnitmike]

Originally Posted by LilWake

Sorry for the lack of updates. As i mentioned this was my buddy Tristans first attempt at gel coat. Things didnt quite as well as planned the first time around. He learned from that and sprayed the gel he had left hoping for enough to have complete coverage. As he started to level thing out and remove orange peel he burnt through some areas which tells me it was way to thin all the way around.

I sent him another gallon and this time he will be mixing 50/50 with duratec high gloss additive. This will act as a reducer and make spraying it much easier. It also eliminates the need for wax. I also provided him a decent gel gun (2.3tip) so he didnt have to used a drilled out cheapo gun.

The gel should arrive to him today and im hoping to see a little progress by mid week. My fingers are crossed.

Well, it wouldn't be the first time somebody had problems spraying gelcoat. I'd be interested in your impression of the finish you get using the Duratech compound. I've been considering using the stuff myself, but not if I still have to sand out orange peel to get a decent finish.

MM

[LilWake]

From what I understand it doesn't lay as thick, so it requires more passes, but it's said to lay much smoother especially when mixing it 50/50, which is not normally recommended for darker colors unless you have a solid/similar color surface you're spraying on. This is because the High Gloss Additive makes it more translucent, and doesn't hide as well.

I will definitely let you know my thoughts and first impression of the Duratec product.

[LilWake]

Ok...a few photos youve all been patiently waiting for. The only thing left for tristan to do is spray more black gel on the bottom, then cut n buff. Then it will be back n my hands so i can plug away at it and finish her up.

[marjamar]

Hello Lilwake, Just started coming here and seen your project. Looks like you and your brother are doing a fine job. I've been in the sandblasting/coatings business for over 40 years and have done my share of fiberglass work in other areas. Nice to see your getting a handle on the gelcoat side. It can be tricky for sure -- Lots of variables to contend with. I'm very interested in seeing the final outcome. Hope it's everything you're hoping it will be.

-Rodger

[LilWake]

Welcome Rodger, and thank you for following my thread!

[LilWake]

So my buddy dropped it off at my parents place in Iowa. It's ready for me to pick up. I had my dad take some pics because I was too anxious to wait until this weekend to see it when I pick it up

Sorry they aren't the best photos.

[LilWake]

So I went to Iowa this past weekend to pick her up.

I will be busy on this the next few weeks. I also will be moving from my apartment to a house that I will now be renting. The good news is I will have my own 2.5 car garage at the house! No more working in the underground parking lot, haha. This also means I can be more efficient as I will not have to pick up my sh*t every night and clean everything up to look pretty for all the neighbors. It will be very nice, but will take longer because the move will take a lot of work in itself.

On to the pics...here she is!

[Liighthead]

0.0 very nice, looks sweet

[LilWake]

Thanks Liighthead!!

[Warlock1]

These are the best threads ever. I am subscribed.

[LilWake]

Thanks man!

[HydroRocket]

I see you are from the cities...Where in? I'm down in Cottage Grove.

[LilWake]

I live in south minneapolis but work at Werner Electric in Cottage Grove.

[HydroRocket]

Awesome you guys are one of our suppliers. I work for Excel Manufacturing out of our South St. Paul office. I toured Werner one day this past winter.