Glossary
The pigmented outer finish layer on fiberglass boat hulls; prone to UV oxidation and crazing without protection.
Gel coat is the smooth, pigmented outer surface layer applied during fiberglass boat manufacturing. It's the visible exterior finish that gives boats their color and gloss. Made of polyester or vinylester resin with pigments and UV stabilizers. Without protection, gel coat oxidizes (chalks/fades) within 2-3 years of constant UV exposure and develops 'crazing' (fine surface cracks) after 5-10 years. Storage decisions directly impact gel-coat life: indoor or covered storage roughly doubles the time before gel-coat restoration is needed. Outdoor uncovered storage in sunny states (FL, AZ, CA, TX) can destroy gel coat in 5-7 years.
Gel coat restoration runs $40-$120 per linear foot of boat length, so $1,000-$3,000 for a 25-foot boat.
The pigmented outer finish layer on fiberglass boat hulls; prone to UV oxidation and crazing without protection.
Gel coat is the smooth, pigmented outer surface layer applied during fiberglass boat manufacturing. It's the visible exterior finish that gives boats their color and gloss.
Gel coat restoration runs $40-$120 per linear foot of boat length, so $1,000-$3,000 for a 25-foot boat.
Related terms: fiberglass, oxidation, Covered Storage. See the StowHelp glossary for full definitions.