Hi, my wife has a full carbon Allwave Vanguard Outrigger canoe.

It is only about 12 months old and we have just removed the cover after being stored for the winter to find an extensive 'roughness' on the gel coat - like tiny bubbles, really course to the touch. Also in places, there is visible bubbling, see picture.

She has only over used plain water to clean it (after ever use) and 'Car Plan bumper shine' to polish it, which was recommended by the seller.
It has been stored in a nylon sock and not come into contact with any chemicals. There was no problem when it was last used in October/early November - could frost have damaged it?

Firstly, can you suggest what might have caused the problem, and secondly what products do I need to repair it. I specifically want to know if I need to colour the gel coat (the boat has a multi-colour design!!) or will I be able to just sand away the bubbles and re-coat it with clear gel.


(The darker lines are reflection of trees)

Looks like there has been some osmosis happening and has caused the surface to blister.  I would sand back the bubbles and let it fully dry out indoors if possible. Then fill with a white gel coat and wax add. 

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your reply. That's good news that we can use standard gelcoat, however, I'm a bit concerned about how thick the gelcoat is as the carbon weave texture is visible, I would imagine to get a 7.5m boat including ama to weight 9.8kg, it will be thin. Also, how easy is it to match the colour?

I have also noticed, since posting, that the colour sections on the top deck seem to be applied vinyl sections as their edges are raised as opposed to being under the gelcoat, I am waiting for a response to the manufacturer as to what these are but if they are applied vinyl sections and the bubbling in this area is in the gelcoat under them, this will complicate things.

We are in Stoke-on-Trent, so within easy traveling distance of Nottingham. When you say you may be able to help, do you mean in assessing it further or do you do repairs?