: what is gel coat ?

-- Gelkote is pigmented polyester resin. It is formulated to be hard which can make it brittle if too thick or not reinforced. Because it is hard, it is abrasion resistant.

: is that the coat that makes motor boat's hulls more scratch resistant than
: our epoxy kayaks ?

-- Yes and most other molded fiberglass products including sailboats, shower stalls, Corvette's, etc.

: does it add alot of weight ? does it adhere to epoxy after the epoxy is dry ?
: does gelcoat has its own uv protection ?

-- Gelkote is as heavy as any other resin. It does not work well with epoxies and will often not cure right. UV resistance is fair to midland.

: what are fg kayaks made of ? I mean as far as the resin ? are fg kayaks
: painted with that gel coat thing ?

Most fiberglass boats, including kayaks are made of polyester resin and glass fiber cloth. Epoxy or Vinylester resins can be substitued for Polyester. Exotic fabrics like Carbon, Kevlar and S-Glass can be substituted for standard fiberglass (usually called E-glass).

: can we use the same magic stuff as fg kayaks, to achieve their scratch
: resistance ?

Gelkote is usually used with a molding system. It is not like paint in that it is pretty thick and does not level well when applied. It is not glossy. The level surface and gloss you see is the reflection of the mold the boat was laid up in. The mold surface is highly polished and the gelkote is the first thing laid against the mold. Though gelkote can be used on a one off boat like a home built kayak, the work is tedious and most would forgo it in lieu of paint or varnish.

: does varnish gives any scratch resistance ?

- Not much, but it is easily renewed.

: any help appreciated,

: Erez