TAKEOFF
BOAT TECH
KEEP THAT SHOWROOM SHINE
B
hoW to pRotect a fiBeRGlass Boat’s finish
ass boats are easily the coolest, fastest-looking boats
on the water, and they get their lightning-fast look
from a high-gloss finish applied over bright gel paints
mixed with metallic or poly flakes. the right formula and pro-
cedure produces the eye-catching trademark sparkle we see
on the showroom floor. Maintaining this look on the water is
easy, provided we steer clear of a few obstacles.
Know the Coats
38
it’s important to understand how bass boats are built and
the properties of the outermost layer in order to protect it. a
clear coat covers everything on a metallic/poly flake boat. it’s
responsible for producing such a wet, shiny look.
immediately below the outer clear is the flake itself, which
rests on the boat’s gel coat.
for boats with no flake – often the case with straight
white, black or grey gel coat hulls – there is usually no outer
clear coat. the gel coat is the topcoat.
Block UV Rays
By Joe Balog
photos by KyLE wooD
the greatest threat to a bass boat’s finish is the sun. over
time uv rays can break down the outer coating, leaving it pit-
ted and yellow. in addition, gel coats can oxidize – the oils
within the gel itself rise to the surface – rendering the finish
white and chalky.
the best way to beat the sun at its own game is to avoid
it altogether when the boat’s not in use. complete conceal-
ment in a garage is best, but even a carport or boat cover
helps. the worst-case scenario is storing a boat on the dock,
where reflective rays hit it from all sides.
Stop Threats from Moisture
another overlooked threat is water; more specifically, mois-
ture. safeguard against having it enter a boat’s finish by main-
taining airflow in the storage area, and never leave a wet boat
covered up for very long. in time, moisture could find its way
between the boat’s gel and clear coats, resulting in a hazy look.
FLWFISHING.COM I MAY-JUNE 2018