BoatworksTodayvideo

Saving A Classic: Restoring A 1970 Westwind Paceship 24 ~ Fiberglass Boat Repair Is Problem Solving!

21 December 2025 · 19 min · 11K views

Craftsman applies gel coat to Westwind Paceship 24 in workshop

What this video covers

Restoring the cabin sides of a 1970 Paceship Yachts Westwind 24 requires building up fiberglass thickness around four port light cutouts. After installing a single layer of 1.5-ounce chopped strand mat as a backing piece, the repair process involves applying two layers of 1708 biaxial fiberglass cloth using non-waxed laminating polyester resin.5:54 To ensure proper adhesion and surface contact, a thin coat of repair putty creates a ramp around the cutout edges before the glass is laid wet-on-wet.5:29 Because the exterior laminate must remain flush with the surrounding cabin, the final thickness is achieved by sanding and applying fairing compound rather than adding more glass.15:22 To reach the target quarter-inch thickness, additional layers of 1708 will be laminated to the interior side of the cabin, where space allows for extra build-up behind future interior trim.16:21 A wax-containing gel coat serves as a final curing agent and guide coat to verify thickness before sanding.11:55

Watch on YouTube

More from BoatworksToday

I Was Wrong About My Boat's Victron Wiring (You Were Right!)Sept 2026Will This Entire Victron Electrical System Fit In My Little Boat?Aug 2026The Primer Mistake You're Probably Making Painting Your Boat: Film Thickness, Not Smoothness!Aug 2026V-Berth Electrical Layout On A Small Sailboat: It's Tight, But It Should Work!Aug 2026

From BoatworksToday — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue