Gel coat ghosting
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=18958
Printed Date: November-18-2024 at 7:41pm
Topic: Gel coat ghosting
Posted By: Buttersmooth
Subject: Gel coat ghosting
Date Posted: August-09-2010 at 4:26am
| Hey all my name is Chad and I'm new to this forum but have been a reader for a long time. Here is my dilemna and for now I'll give the short version.Last fall picked up a 1981 ski nautique anniversary model for $600.00 it had been towed off the highway after the state police had flagged it for tow for sitting their for what was obviously an extended period. The boat then went to the towing yard where it stayed for two years til I came along. The tow yard owner really didn't have a clue as to what he had but I did this not being my first nautique so I was very familar with the company. He preceeded to tell me all about the boat where it was built that it had a rebuilt motor ya da ya da ya da none of which he was correct about of course. Except for possibly the motor rebuilt part it did have fresh paint on the block and the intake was masked off. I really didn't want a project but after putting a wrench to the crank to make sure she wasn't seized up, I decided to take it home knowing I really couldn't get hurt for the price I paid even if it had a seized motor. After getting it home I pulled a valve cover because I wanted to make sure there wasn't any rust that had built up on the under side of the cover which I figured would not be a good sign. As I pull up the cover and looked at the inside of the cover I was shocked the cover looked like new no rust and what assembly lubed rockers! I quickly pulled the number one plug and cranked her over to TDC shining a light into the plug hole.I could see there was no carbon on the top of the piston. At that point I realized the tow yard owner was right about one thing it did have a new motor and one that hadn't even been fired. Over the last year my oldest daughter and I have been slowly restoring this boat and right know we need the help of the forum. The original striping was not on the boat and you can see the old stripes ghostingthrough even after we've wet sanded. You can rub your hand down the sides and both sides are as smooth as a babies back side but you can still see the ghostingDowe just need to keep sanding or what? Also I would like everyone opinion on paint or gel coating. I was considering a gel stripe down the side but have been thinking if a quality paint would be o.k. I could save alot of $ by doing it myself. Also would I be better off repainting the whole boat white and then painting on the stripe. Any help would be appreciated. Sorry I guess this was the long version. |
Replies:
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: August-09-2010 at 7:59am
|
Chad,
Since you mentioned your intention is to restore the boat, I don't understand what the problem is. Put new striping on and it will cover up the ghosting. Post some pictures. Paint?? Welcome to CCfan. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Buttersmooth
Date Posted: August-09-2010 at 10:36pm
| Thanks for the reply 8122. Yes, I am restoring the boat and I'm probably going to get hammered for saying this but I'm not planning on bringing it back to original. I have some custom ideas I'd like to implement. If I were going to stripe the boat with the original striping the ghosting would obviously not be an issue but I'd like to run a design strip of some sort down the length of the boat which will not completely cover the ghosting. Regarding painting the boat. I have heard of people painting fairly large solid colored stripes on there nautiques using a quality marine grade paint such as Awlgrip just not sure if this would give me the overall result I'm looking for. I'll try to get some pictures posted if it will help. Thanks again. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: August-09-2010 at 10:44pm
Yes, You are about to get "hammered"!!!! Now, you will need to go back into all your posts and eliminate the word "restoration"!! Next, is you may what to consider changing sites? maybe wakeboader.com?? They are without a doubt experts at screwing/fk'n up classic boats!!   Finally, your route will severely reduce the value of your boat. Have you considered that?? Sorry for my bluntness but you really need to consider what you want to do to that boat hull. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Buttersmooth
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 2:00am
|
Yes, I have considered the value of the finished boat but to be honest no amount of money will be enough to sell it when it's done. My daughter has really put her heart and sole into this project and for that reason it will never leave this family. I look at it as if someones restoring a classic car. Some people choose to bring the car back to it's original state others choose to build a hot rod, both are cool in there own way and opinions very depending on who you ask. Regardless, either choice is better then allowing the car to sit and rust way in some farmers field and both are considered "restorations"! So I'll continue to telling my daughter that she is helping to restore a classie nautique because that's exactly what she's doing! Thanks for you help though
|
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 2:22am
|
The graphics for your boat are posted in the reference section. You can run a gerber mask to do the painting. I too would not change the graphics. What you think looks good won't look good to many others. There have been quite a few who have done the original graphics, with different colors, bright orange, lime green, etc. It customizes the boat, and still looks great. The graphics on the 81 really stand up well to color changes, bright colors, etc. They still look great.
BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 2:29pm
|
Chad, I'll throw in another "Leave it Original" vote. We do realize that it is your boat but you may come to realize that what you have is indeed a classic. Take a look at Alan's 81 981Nautique). It's a beautiful restored boat that pictures do not do it justice. It's a beautiful boat in person and has won several awards at our reunions.
We've had several members here that were going to customize an old boat but after the guys here suggested that they not. End result was they didn't, kept it original and were glad they did. HOWEVER...it is your boat and we respect your choice to customize it as you wish. ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 3:03pm
Wow, I'm all choked up.  Thanks Tim, but if you look closer at my boat the paint color is wrong, the interior is wrong, the carpeting is wrong, the trailer is wrong and the motor is wrong, besides that it's all original!!!! I guess the up side to it is anything I've done to it could be put back correctly if I wanted to so I would be thoughtful in what you change.
Now I do like a "close to original" job but whatever you do enjoy it with your daughter and do quality work. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Morfoot wrote:Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 4:10pm
Well so much for me talking up the 81 and it's originality. 
I knew the trailer wasn't original and the paint was a little more metallic than original (but you did keep the original lines didn't you) but I thought the interior was original. Thanks for setting me straight Alan. 
------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 5:13pm
You know I'm just having fun with you Tim, I appreciate the plug really. Here are some photos of the day I picked the 81 up and then some photos after a few man hours. I guess my point would be you can do an aweful lot to a boat to customize it while still staying somewhat true to the classic nature of it. 
Anyway, it's yours, enjoy it. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 5:29pm
|
Was my point as well. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Hawktique
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 6:15pm
|
I say make it yours! At the end of the day, it's in your garage, and going to be enjoyed by your family. I've always loved hot rods, and if everybody kept everything original, most of us wouldn't have the passion. Sorry guys, I'm not a purist. ------------- "A Veteran is someone who at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to: 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life." Semper Fi |
Posted By: adiocassette
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 8:06pm
| agreed. make it your own. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 8:41pm
------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 8:55pm
|
81, Now that's funny!!! So much wrong, but still a beautiful boat.
Same way with mine, wrong rub rail, lettering and stripe colors etc... But still very easy to put back to original once that CC Museum opens up. AT |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 8:57pm
|
I'm not a purist either. To go back to Butter's original thought, here are some of my specific thoughts.
Butter was thinking about painting or gelling a single stripe down the side. I've seen this done on quite a few boats. My initial thought is that someone was trying to make the boat look like a newer model than it really is. To me, they never achieve that result, and it looks no better than the guy who paints Ski Nautique down the side of a Mustang, or a Martinique. My second thought is that someone was trying to cover up damage to the side of the hull. Makes me wonder how much bondo or bad fiberglass work is being covered up, even if that's not the case. My third thought is that someone didn't want to take the time, or spend the money to lay down the more complex graphics that came on the 81 Ski Nautique. Makes me wonder if they cut corners on other parts of a rebuild such as poor stringer and floor job, auto parts on the motor, or poor quality materials in the upholstery. None of these items may be true, but that's what goes through my mind. On the other hand, Mark in Florida used the original graphics in lime green, and it looks great IMO. Another fellow used bright orange, and his boat looks fantastic. Even Alan's blue is not original, but as said, his boat has been a favorite choice at most of the CCF reunions. I know it's not original, but they weren't trying to create museum pieces or win an ACBS show. They created boats which look modern yet timeless and which meet their own tastes. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 9:00pm
And the guy doesn't even fill in his profile!!!  But does comment!! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 9:31pm
|
BK, I agree! Always hate to see it happen, especially wrong year graphics. Or even the proper year graphic just gone horribly wrong.
But, someone will eventually pay money for it. AT |
Posted By: Buttersmooth
Date Posted: August-10-2010 at 11:08pm
| O.K. after sleeping on it and taking in everyones comments I agree with all of you in different ways. I think bk said it best "They created boats which looked modern yet timeless and which meet their own tastes". So after carefully considering the pros and cons I have decided to go with the original stripping with a classy modern flair nothing distaistful or goddy. Now I'm assuming that they can all be made in viynl decals correct? If so, that to me makes the most sense because color changes can be made in the future by simply removing the old ones and applying your new color of choice if desired. I know by running a wide colored stripe down the boats length this will be a permanant choice and would be a b%*&# to remove so decals sound appealing. I know the graphics are on this site, are they templets can you send them to a graghics artist and have them made in the color you'd like? Thanks for all the help guys. |
Posted By: behindpropeller
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 12:32am
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Just paint it on. Once you put all of the work into it the last thing you will want to do is switch colors every year. ------------- |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 12:44am
|
The graphics are in the reference section the site. I don't know if anyone has made them in vinyl, but I don't see why it could not be done.
From the factory, the graphics were paint in 81, not gel coat. Still kind of a pain to sand and remove, but not nearly as difficult as gel coat. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: adiocassette
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 1:03am
i know right! that has everything to do with my opinion! 
|
Posted By: Hawktique
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 11:21am
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Pete,
Don't take this the wrong way, but why do you consistently tell people to join a different site. CCF, in no way, stands for "Original Boats Only". Some of your woody groups probably push the topic, and I understand that. Nobody should be rediculed on this site because of what they do to "their" boat. After a bit of discussion, this owner is going the better way, just as BK suggested. Keep the original look, but add a modern flare to it. I hope you think about it for a second and realize what you could actually be doing to this site with comments like that. -Josh ------------- "A Veteran is someone who at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to: 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life." Semper Fi |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 11:40am
|
Butter, Yes the graphics are on the site for the 80-81 but they are for the lettering only. The stripes have typically been hand masked and painted using the graphic files to create stencils for the lettering which are removed after paint is applied.
If you decide to go this route please email me for a more up to date set of files for the lettering. I need to send them to Keith to update the ones in the reference section but you are more than welcome to them. The nice thing with your project is that you haven't wetsanded the Ghosting off yet, following that ghosting is the easiest way to mask the new stripes perfectly in place. Best of luck to you, post pictures along the way. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: Bremsen
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 12:54pm
x2 I like ya Pete and you are one of the most helpful and knowledgeable members (on both sites), but I also think you take the 'keep it original' thing a little too far sometimes. Particularly when telling members to go elsewhere. I can understand it with the rare and truly special classic boats on this site, but not all CCs need to be "restored". I know I can rest easy knowing Morfoot's boat is around
-Ryan ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=923&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990 - Our 88 SN2001 |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 1:09pm
|
Josh and Ryan,
Even though I used the emoticons, I really feel you've taken my comments out of context. I don't feel my pushing originality is harming this site at all. The majoriy here are "original" people and this thread is a perfect example of that. It may be of interest to you that the wood boat groups aren't the only ones that push originality. Currently the ACBS considers ANY boat up to and including 1976 years a "classic" and judged accordingly. The Fiberglassics group is also big on originality. Regarding my recommending other sites, that's truthfull as well. You'll see more customization of boats on other sites. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Hawktique
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 1:33pm
|
Pete,
I'm by no way offended, or up in arms over it. I was only trying to highlight the feelings of brand new members. They aren't yet up to speed with the CCF community, and the common jabs some of us give with no harmful intentions. I only mentioned something because the same thing happened very recently where the new member took everything as it was written, not knowing the way some are, and swore to never return. ------------- "A Veteran is someone who at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to: 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life." Semper Fi |
Posted By: adiocassette
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 2:06pm
| i personally use my boat for wakeskating. the wake behind an older nautique is perfect. but not all wakeboarders or wakeskaters wanna throw on a big tower, add lots of weight and put in big speakers. But its THEIR boat. if everyone was on this site asking how to "restore" a boat for re sale value i'd understand the comments. But if someone wants to paint their boat bright pink, it doesnt bother me, whatever makes them happy when they have the boat out on the water. |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 3:34pm
|
Bsmooth, One more thought.
Paint may be a lot easier than trying to center and apply properly, a full length vinyl graphic. AT |
Posted By: Bama Nautique
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 4:09pm
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Pete,
I am with you 110% on keeping it original. I have an 89 SN 2001 and am struggling with putting a sound system in it. I know it would require some cutting and was wondering what you ideas were on this.? I just had boat wet sanded and am waiting on a set of original 89 decals to put back on. Will post pick when completed. Thanks ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5040 - 89 Ski Nautique 2001 89 Ski Nautique 2001 |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 4:20pm
|
Doug,
There are several threads on it from people who felt the same and really didn't want to start cutting. They typically mount the main unit off brackets so it's just under the bottom of the dash or inside the glove box. Then use auxiliary speaker boxes mounted just under the gunwale or on the floor. I'll see what comes up with a search. EDIT: I just used "speaker box" for the search key words. Lots comes up. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 4:25pm
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I would wrap the entire boat to match the dash panel and turn it into a Woody, heck I just got one thinking about it!
------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1143" rel="nofollow - Mi Bowt |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 4:30pm
|
Yes! I would love to see an '05 Air 206 in simulated Mahogany!
AT |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 6:47pm
Al, http://www.elitecraftowners.com/index.html - Elite Craft - plenty of simulated wood I've only seen one of them. It was nice but still just sort of like the rest of the reproductions. Actually, I think simulated wood may be CQ's problem too!! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 7:24pm
|
Thinking of using a different species,
Stimulated Wood, also known as Mahoginher. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1143" rel="nofollow - Mi Bowt |
Posted By: Buttersmooth
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 7:41pm
|
Thanks for the info Alan. I spoke with a graphics designer yesterday and it sounds like what I'm trying to accomplish is very doable. I'd be happy to share any design work that would be helpful so I'll keep you posted as to how it goes. Can you tell me where I might be able to find PCM engine parts such as belts, hoses, gaskets etc? Also I don't know if it's a lot of trouble but if it's not too much would you be able to send me some pics of the starboard, port and stern of you boat? This would be helpful for my design guy. Thanks everyone for your help. Your probably going to get really tired of me before this is all completed.
|
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 8:08pm
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Butter,
My correct craft parts.com is a site sponser. Also Race City Marine in Mooresville,NC. Also, www.skidim.com is another one. Donald |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 8:46pm
No problem, your email is private so send me an mailto:sales@actionscreen.com - email and I'll reply with the attached photos and lettering files. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: krauler
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 9:12pm
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Hey Alan, I sent you an email earlier regarding the graphic files. Do you mind forwarding me a copy also? raulersonk@msn.com Thanks ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5315&sort=&pagenum=1 - 1980 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 9:28pm
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http://correctcraftfan.com/forsale/details.asp?ID=4697&sort=&pagenum=3 - Orange 81
I really like this orange one. Anything but original. I thought it looked modern, classic, classy, all at the same time. From the pictures it looked like the work was high quality which always helps as well. Of course Alan's blue 81 is similar but not quite as radical departure from original colors. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Bama Nautique
Date Posted: August-11-2010 at 10:12pm
Thanks 8122. I will spend some time researching it all tonight. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5040 - 89 Ski Nautique 2001 89 Ski Nautique 2001 |
Posted By: Buttersmooth
Date Posted: August-12-2010 at 2:54am
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Donald thanks for the info guess I should've looked a little harder . My wife calls it male blindness. Hey BKH that orange one does look pretty cool. Nicely done it appears and still staying true to it's roots. Alan, I sent you an email and thanks again.
Chad |