What i think is fiberglass canoe, cracked up, everywhere, skim coat?

Question

Ok, i got this old canoe by yates of tampa, which i havent found any info on at all.

so, its old. but it looks like maybe it has been stored outside in the florida sun for 15 years or something, ITS ALL CRACKED UP. (the outside of the boat)

like a car with 5 year old $100 paint job, hay, maybe its the paint?

anyhow, its all cracked up, spidered or what have you. I am just starting this project now when i knew they were there, but came across i wouldnt say holes but, deep goudges, not all the way thru, but exposing the fiberglass.

I wanna skim coat the whole thing before primeing, painting, sealing.

would you call these holes? should i get fiberglass patches, or fill them with the fiberglass body filler or resin, (bondo for fiberglass includeing marine repairs) and keep on my merry way?

Answer 1

Sounds like you are talking about the 'gel coat' cracking and fading.

Fill the gouges and pits with epoxy filler. Sand back the gel coat plenty. Use sealer first, then primer next. That should help penetrate the cracks, and help fill them. Then two or three top coats.

Try to avoid skim coating the thing. It seems like a great idea to make it baby smooth again, but sanding all that excess filler off will be h**l. Sanding filler and keeping the fairness is a real art. The motto of filler is less is more... There are a lot of project boats for sale or given away at the post filler/ready to paint stage...

If it was a freebie, try and keep the investment low.

Answer 2

sounds like someone has put a coat of automotive clearcoat over the jellcoat.  make it easy on yourself.  sand it down to remove the lacquer, fill any holes or chipped places with the filler, then use a buffing pad and compound to bring back the original color.