Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by slush on 02/22/09 - 6:12 PM

A little background:

I just purchased a 1986 17' montauk that I plan on restoring back to original shape, or at least as close as I can. The previous owner had mounted a trolling motor on the front right foot pad. When the trolling motor was removed it left four nickle sized holes in the footpad. I negotiated a deal with the seller to have the holes fixed at a well respected glass shop. When I got the boat back today, I noticed instead of just patching the holes and repair the non-skid, they completely refinished the entire area and put griptex or the like in the gelcoat. I am torn whether I should take it back and have them sand it all down and flex mold it, or am I just being too picky? What do you guys/gals think? Does it detract from the appearance of the boat? I know that 99.9% of the people out there would pay no attention to it, but dang.

Edited by slush on 02/22/09 - 6:17 PM

Posted by Jeff on 02/22/09 - 7:30 PM

Will it work, yes. Is it what you wanted, it does not seem like it. For me, when things are not to my liking it drives me crazy but, not the end of the world. This would be something though that I would see as a negative if I was looking at the boat for purchase down the road. Now if the entire boat was restored and all of the OEM nonskid was done that pattern it would be more acceptable.

That is just my $.o2.

Posted by Derwd24 on 02/22/09 - 8:03 PM

I have to admit, I'd be disappointed too if I expected the type of repair you did and the boat came back that way. As Jeff says, not the end of the world, so go by how much it bothers you as you'll be the one that sees it all the time. What kind of shape is the rest of the factory non-skid in as well as the interior gelcoat? Let us know what you decide!

Posted by jquigley on 02/22/09 - 9:26 PM

i would take it back. Either have that spot fixed to match the rest, or all the rest fixed to match that spot. preferably option number one for me.

-John

Posted by slush on 02/23/09 - 5:26 AM

I am waiting for the shop to open up now. The rest of the factory non-skid is in perfect shape, as well as the factory gelcoat (other than fine crazing). I am going to lean on the shop pretty hard to make it factory. It's one of those things that every time I see it, it will bug me.

Edited by slush on 02/23/09 - 5:53 AM

Posted by slush on 02/23/09 - 5:56 AM

Well, for now at least, they are going to match the other foot pad at no cost. They don't have the materials to put the factory non-skid pattern on, so down the road I will source the parts (gibco flex or MAS?) and have it done. For the time being I have too much other work to do on the boat and need to spend my money, time and energy in those aspects.

Now off to order new console doors!

Posted by Bake on 02/23/09 - 6:41 AM

I do not know how they came to be a well respected shop if they can not make a non skid pattern from the existing pattern. AT least get a price to fix it correctly before you let them at the other pad.

Posted by Derwd24 on 02/23/09 - 8:58 AM

Absolutely, especially if the other (factory) pad is in good shape. I wouldn't let them change it just to match the other as you'll be going further down a road you're going to have to eventually come back up. Take a look at this non-skid repair article below, they should easily be able to do it, or you could even give it a go:

http://www.epoxyworks.com/22/nonskid....nskid.html

Edited by Derwd24 on 02/23/09 - 9:05 AM

Posted by jquigley on 02/23/09 - 9:38 AM

Derwd24 wrote:
Absolutely, especially if the other (factory) pad is in good shape. I wouldn't let them change it just to match the other as you'll be going further down a road you're going to have to eventually come back up.

I agree, don't left them change the other one. It shouldn't be too hard to match the factory. You or they should be able to make a female mold of your existing pattern and set it in with some of the products you mentioned.

The more I think about it the more I would have that put back to factory. That would annoy me.

--John

Edited by jquigley on 02/23/09 - 9:39 AM