Gel coat damage

[Capt Andy]

I have a 1979 Catalina 30 with some gel coat damage in a couple of areas forward of the port lights on both sides of the hull. They are about 10x12" on the vertical surface. The underlying structure feels firm. The damage doesn't seem that deep. How would I go about repairing it?

[hlev00]

I suspect you need to sand away the gel coat and apply new. You might check out YouTuber Boatworks Today. Andy has a lot of good videos. It won’t be easy, especially getting the gelcoat to match. A vertical surface will also add to the complexity. Maybe others will have some better advice.

[Don C L]

I have the same condition. Pretty common on our older boats. It may be time to think about painting, or applying new gelcoat. In my case I am planning to paint and I am filling the crazed and pitted gelcoat with white Marine Tex. Well, it's the WestMarine version which is cheaper.