Sail Life · video

What this video covers

Mads tests two methods for repairing gelcoat crazing on the deck and hull of a 44-foot Antares Yachts 44 catamaran.0:12 Using two sugar scoop hatch covers as test subjects, he compares the workflow, cost, and durability of stabilizing the laminate with lightweight twill fiberglass and high-performance epoxy versus using chop strand mat (CSM) and polyester resin.1:02 The epoxy method proves easier to apply and cheaper, costing approximately $20 compared to $28 for the polyester repair.11:19 The CSM fails to conform to tight radii, resulting in air bubbles that require additional fairing.9:38 Mads concludes that applying a single layer of lightweight glass over the surface provides cheap insurance against future stress cracks and uneven laminate, even when most of the original gelcoat is removed.18:18 He plans to monitor these test patches over several years to determine the most efficient long-term refinishing strategy for the entire deck.19:17 Additionally, he begins preparations to remove and replace the vessel's aluminum water tanks, which requires extracting the diesel tanks and cutting into the main bulkhead.3:55

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