Klaus, thanks for your input. My plan would be to redo the entire boat (hulls) I saw a bit of data from Jake on the material he uses..can't seem to find those comments now..
I've never painted a boat before - but I'm sure there's nothing wrong with it. If painting in a breeze (even a light one), make sure the cars are in the garage and that the neighbors don't know what's happening. It's incredible how far tiny paint particles will travel.
I use gelcoat and have been working to try and find the best way to lay it down smoothly - thin it too much and it won't cure properly. I do not use gelcoat with wax because it just adds another complication (you can also add the wax additive separately - it usually comes suspended in an Styrene solution). I'm experimenting now with Duratec additive which mixes with gelcoat 50/50 and is supposed to A) allow it to air-cure and B) let it lay down more smoothly....my first experiment with it wasn't that good - though it may have been my paint gun causing the problems (it did cure well). The best results I've ever had is using air-inhibited gelcoat and then top it with PVA once it's all laid down. The PVA seals it from the air and simply washes away later.
I purchase most of my chemical supplies from:
US Composites Fiberglass Supply 
