The second "layer" is made up of polyester resin reinforced with laminations of fiberglass mat, cloth or
woven roving. Both the gel coat and polyester resin are "cured" by a chemical catalyst which causes
them to form a hard, strong mass that is highly resistant to impact and, damage.
After sailing, a good hosing down with fresh water and a mild detergent will keep your boat sparkling
fresh and clean. The non-skid surfaces may need to be scrubbed with detergent. Smooth glass areas
may be polished with liquid wax or any good fiberglass wax to add extra luster. In the case of older
boats, where some fading of the gel coat has occurred, the surface should be buffed with polishing
compound and then wax finished.
When buffing the boat to restore its finish, care should be taken not to cut through the gel coat surface.
This is especially true on corners and edges of the hull. A power buffer may be used, or the work may
be done by hand, using a lightly abrasive rubbing compound such as Mirror Glaze No. 1 for power
buffers, or Dupont No. 7 for hand buffing. Any high quality paste wax may be used after buffing.
3.4.1 Fiberglass Touch-Up And Repairs
Scratches, Shallow Nicks, Gouges, Small Holes
(That do not penetrate through the hull)
These repairs are easy because only the surface of the boat is damaged. They fall into two categories:
(1) damage to the gel coat colored outer surface, and (2) holes or gouges that are deep enough to
penetrate the fiberglass reinforced area of the boat. The repair operations are similar.
For damage to the gel coat surface, you will need a small can of gel coat, of the same color as your
boat, and a small amount of catalyst. For deeper holes or gouges (1/8" or more) you will also need
some short strands of fiberglass which can be trimmed from fiberglass mat or purchased in the form of
"milled fibers." These materials can be purchased from your dealer.
1.
Be sure the area around the damage is wiped clean and dry. Remove any wax or oil from the
inside of the hole or scratch.
2.
Using a power drill with a burr attachment, roughen
the bottom and sides of the damaged area and feather
the edge surrounding the scratch or gouge. Do not
"undercut" this edge. (If the scratch or hole is shallow
and penetrates only the color gel coat, skip to step No.
8.).
3.
Into a jar lid or on a piece of cardboard, pour a small
amount of gel coat ... just enough to fill the area being
worked on. Mix an equal amount of milled fibers with
this gel coat, using a putty knife or small flat stick.
Then add two drops of catalyst, using an eyedropper
for accurate measurement. For a half-dollar-size pile
of gel coat, this amount of catalyst will give you 15 to
20 minutes working time before it begins to "gel".
Carefully cut the catalyst into the gel coat and mix
thoroughly.
Page 7 of 35
Catalina 22 Owner's Manual for 1987
7/21/2010
http://www.catalina22.org/manuals/mnl87/handbook.htm