Bare hull - UV resistance

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by jkenan, Nov 27, 2023.

  1. jkenan
    Joined: Jan 2020
    Posts: 23
    Likes: 11, Points: 3
    Location: North Carolina

    jkenan Junior Member

    I am restoring a 34' sailboat, which is on stands outdoors, and have stripped the gelcoat from the hull below the waterline to execute some storm related repairs. Hull is built of polyester laminate topped with a few layers of vinyl ester laminate for osmosis protection. My question is how long is it safe to keep the the hull in this state, unprotected from the UV sunlight? My understanding is polyester and vinyl ester are more UV resistant than epoxy, but for how long? I have seen boats in the yard for years in a similar state and no one seems to raise an eyebrow, but don't want to take that as an example to follow.
     
  2. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    Your dilemma sounds like a perfect excuse for building a tent over the boat - after all, you also want to keep the sun off yourself as well when you are working on her, along with keeping her dry re rain (and do you get snow occasionally in North Carolina?).
     
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  3. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
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    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Weeks, months even, but Bajansailor raises an excellent point.
    Keep in mind that winter sun is ~10x less intense than summer.
    Build a cover.
     
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  4. Silvertooth
    Joined: Nov 2016
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    Location: Uk

    Silvertooth Senior Member

    The sun does break down everything
     

  5. ondarvr
    Joined: Dec 2005
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    Location: Monroe WA

    ondarvr Senior Member

    The degradation takes quite a while and starts at the surface, the initial oxidized layer protects the underlying resin somewhat.

    This surface will need to be thoroughly sanded prior to applying anything to it, so the small amount of oxidation will be removed during that process.

    Unless you plan to leave it unprotected for years at a time I wouldn't be too worried about it.
     
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