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)

To me that looks like blisters in paint... The layer just seems way too thin to be gelcoat..  I would definitely wash out any traces of salt in the "lockers" and try to dry them out, maybe using some sort of tubing and a "boot dryer"
(The ones you can buy for drying your boots, with a small fan and heating element that blows warm air out through "tubes" you put your boots on..  Am i making any sense here... )

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