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I am mounting my jack plate. I plugged my transom drain (below water line with the goofy plastic ball set up ) and made various repairs on the transom. Gel coated over the plugs/repair. I have read where gel coat is not 100% water proof. What coating could I put on to seal the outer surface. More of a spot repair. I was just going to brush on some two part epoxy resin and the splash on some of my ablative bottom paint over the area. So much going on back there looks do not matter. Thanks.
Actually the barrier coat used on boat bottoms to prevent osmotic blistering caused by water passing through gelcoat, is epoxy. You have to be aware that epoxy degrades when exposed to UV Rays (sunlight) so as long as you keep it covered with paint you will be fine. I would imagine the barrier coat material is somehow stabilized so it doesn't degrade but it's more expensive than plain epoxy resin.
I winter in Ft. Myers and summer in St. Joseph, Michigan. It’s now about 12 years since I’ve joined this group. I gave my 1972 whaler to my daughter and sold the 17’. Bought an O’Day 28 sailboat and sailed on Lake Michigan. Yesterday I bought a 2005 130 Sport.
I looked up in West Marine and they have two products which may apply. Both products need an activator/catalyst.
1. Gluvit Waterproof Sealer. Comes in a gallon can with activator $60 after tax
2. Penetrating Epoxy Kit. Comes in a repair kit size ($20) but product description specifies "wood and other products"
Anyone have experience with either of these? I am just using a couple of small dabs.
I answered my own question with a little research. I should stay away from retailers "800" number product support as they read word for word what the written ad states. I ended up ordering "Pettit Protect Epoxy Primer". It is described by Pettit as the correct material for gel coat sealing. Thank you again Wing for steering me in the correct direction.
Garris
edit: interesting enough West Marine carries both the Pettit product I purchased (elsewhere) plus their own name brand. The "professional" opinion they provided steered me towards epoxy resin. The original product I was questioning about. I am truly grateful for the info on this web site.
