Engine room gray, gelcoat or paint?

[Cocktail Time]

Ok, this is a weird one. I had a battery burst and it has stained my '95 300DA's engine room in some places. My question is this, there is a large wooden platform for my three batteries on the centerline that looks like it is covered in a gray gelcoat. It is now stained a dark color and it pisses me off. 1) Is there an epoxy or other type of paint I can use to cover this up? 2) If it is a gel or fiberglass, how hard would it be to re-apply with the platform in place? I am assuming it would have been sprayed? Stupid question but I hate an ugly looking engine room.
Any ideas?

 

[SCORPIO]

I'm not sure about your model, but in my boat the engine room is painted. I repainted mine with Bilgekote by Interlux. I used a very light gray almost off white. Made finding leaks and dropped screws much easier, also bilge is much brighter now.

 

[Steve David]

cocktail time,

Call 1 800 SRboats and they'll tell you the product and color they used on your boat.

Good luck!

 

[Cocktail Time]

Scorpio and Steve,

Thanks for the advice, changing the color might be a little more than my lazy ass would consider, but maybe Bilgecote comes in the gray I'm looking at. I had called SR about this when it first occured and the rep I spoke to made it seem like the whole thing was sprayed in gelcoat. I'll try them again for a real answer. I apreciate it,
Dan

 

[divedaddy]

Well if it's like mine, the whole thing is sprayed in gelcoat. When they mold the hull it's all gelcoated on the inside - it's exactly the same from tip of the bow to the stern - peak inside the anchor locker and you will see the same. The color is "bilge grey" and it the gelcoat is available from Spectrum Color.

Even though it is gelcoat. there is no reason you can't paint it, if that is your preference. Paint will give you a smoother finish than gelcoat, and you won't have to deal with the mixing and pot life issues.

Edit - I should have added, if you ever have need to do a glass repair on the interior side, then having it "painted" could pose a challenge.

 

[blueflew]

If you just have stains and the bilge is gelcoated, first try cleaning with acetone or MEK. If that doesn't work you can try wet sanding with #600 or #800 paper or try some heavy duty rubbing compound. Gelcoat is thick and relatively resistant to chemicals so this may work and be easier than regelcoating. If you decide to regelcoat, brushing on the gelcoat won't give you that smooth finish you're probably looking for. Spraying would be much better. Make sure you add wax to the gelcoat so it completely cures.