[quote=dennisMe]Gel coat rules!
I applied the stuff after extensive repairs at the start of last season, no additives and just using a roller. Sure I got some orange peel effect, but at least it was shiny new orange peel which I knew would be unavoidable using a roller.
It was my first time using the stuff and I was very satisfied with the results on this old '5.2. Maybe not a great idea for a new and / or very valuable boat, but the durability is phenomenal and the color difference with the original is almost not there after a good season of (ab)use. I love the fact that I didn't have to wait forever for the paint to dry between layers and harden, the boat was sailing the next day! Did I mention it is cheap! I got some from a repair business, they filled up some glass jars from a tank of their stuff, so yours may be more expensive...
I even applied over some well-hardened and rough-sanded epoxy repairs and the gel coat has not let go, even after I applied and removed anti-skid tape on some smaller areas! Removing the tape had me sweating though!
As far as the center bar is concerned, I say just chuck it. You don't really need it and it just gets in the way. If your tramp has foot straps, they are in a much better place anyway. A new tramp without a tunnel is easier to make (like I did) or cheaper to buy (but not that much cheaper). Just remember to fix the forward cross-beam to the straps using some big rivets (2 per strap at approx. 10 and 2 o'clock). That will prevent it from rotating due to the forces acting on the mast base.
Good luck and have fun!
Dennis[/quote]
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