Carbon canoe - pitting and bubbling in gel coat - what is cause and what products needed


Carbon canoe - pitting and bubbling in gel coat - what is cause and what products needed
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flash68
flash68
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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.

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Uploads/Images/72351c7a-f577-4d35-8090-1824.jpg
(The darker lines are reflection of trees)
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panda
panda
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Posts: 47, Visits: 2.1K
More than happy to do either, happy to help you repair it or do it all for you.

Gelcoat is generally very thin on kayaks to reduce the weight down, this does mean that there are problems involved in this.

Alternatively they are sprayed up after with a polyurethane to add the colour and design. 

The manufacture of kayaks is something or a dark art, trying to make something weight 7kg but be 5.2m long (or longer) is not easy feat!

If you do want any help drop me a PM and I will send you my number, 

GO

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