by K.C. Walker » Thu Sep 11, 2014 12:02 pm
If you count your time as worth anything, there isn't a cheap fix, unless you leave it mostly as is with some relatively minor work. Most likely, the least expensive fix is to find a boat that's in better condition (with original gelcoat) and sell the boat that you have. So… Did I follow my own advice… No! However, I still think it's the case.
Now if you find working on boats, and in particular doing fiberglass work and paintwork enjoyable, then obviously doing the work yourself is the lesser expensive fix. However, labor is the major ingredient! So, I would go with the best materials available and I would say that Willy is on the right track.
Because you are asking, it's likely that you are not experienced in this work and therefore it may be that the "correct fix" it is to hire a professional that is experienced. It would probably be worthwhile getting an estimate from a good boat yard or fiberglass boat repair place. They would probably get the materials at a discount and mark them up to a bit more than you would pay directly, but again the major expense will be labor. If you got an estimate of their labor time you could figure that, without experience, you are going to take more than twice as long as they would to do the same job, possibly multiple times more time. Also, if you got an estimate they might see things that you don't that need to be done.
KC Walker, DS 1 #7002