: Probably not many here except maybe Reg, know of the Phoenix Isere
: Kayak(Google it). I have always been intrigued by this boat. It is one of
: the earlier American touring kayaks that has helped drive a sport we all
: enjoy.
: I recently acquired a 1978 Phoenix Isere 14' 9" kayak.This boat's layup
: is nylon and FG cloth and weighs 35# which is amazing for the vintage. It
: had been recently stored outdoors under a pine tree for years, sitting
: upside down on concrete blocks. The pine sap, mildew, winter snow, and the
: foilage of the pine tree have helped prevent UV damage. The deck was in
: direct contact with the concrete blocks and was severely scratched.
: I had to use several cleaners to remove the sap, dirt, mold, etc. and finally
: sand the entire hull/deck with multiple sandpaper grits (starting at 40
: grit) to get a presentable finish. I was able to get the severely abraided
: deck very uniform before moving to super fine grit paper all the way to
: 2000 grit before starting with my RA buffer with ever finer compounds. The
: end result is truly astonishing, considering the original finish. Phoenix
: didn't use gelcoat. they used pigment in the resin. I think this helped me
: get such good results.The deck is now a very nice deep red.
: The hull is transluscent and has no pigment. The stems were ground thru from
: being dragged on the ground and there were several "soft" spots
: here and there on the hull. I removed all the bad sections and reglassed
: them inside and out. The hull is now solid and ready for the next step.
: Here is my question for those that have FG boat restoration experience: I
: have a pretty smooth translucent hull that has patches, scratches repaired
: impact dings,etc. and looks pretty ugly, although the deck looks quite
: good.
: My plan is to apply a layer of 2oz. plain weave glass to the hull to smooth
: and seal everything and do multiple fill coats with white pigmented epoxy.
: Do you think the white pigmented epoxy will give me a really white hull
: without the need of paint? I really would like to avoid using paint. I
: know pigmented epoxy is softer than nonpigmented. Will multiple coats be
: too soft?
: This project is just a labor of love and I won't paddle this craft, I will
: probably just sell it. However, I am from the generation that feels
: "a job worth doing is worth doing right" If it's not acceptable,
: it's for the burning pile!

: Thanks for your suggestions,
: Larry C.

Just pigmented epoxy will have at best mild resistance to UV. The reason for gelcoat is primarily to make it easy to get the boats out of the molds and to protect those expensive molds. Now days paint is much better. Pigmented resin "might" give you a white hull but it'll be tinted somewhat amber because of the color of the resin. As long as the boat is stored out of the direct sun, should be ok.

Bill H.