What if I skimmed the sides with epoxy resin (very thin), would that make a better surface to apply paint or gelcoat ?
Don't skim with epoxy. The reason for the figerglass is to add some tooth for the gelcoat and in my case, for shaping. Added weight will be negligible (I'll guess < 3lbs). Also, its important to be aware that you should not be gelcoating over
epoxy resin. It should be
polyester resin. Whaler and Spectrum also agree with this. Some gelcoats will not cure properly if applied over epoxy resin (there are other reasons too). However, West will tell you this can be done if you follow a certain preparation method.
Sanford, what are you trying to do now?
Two things. 1; to fix/repair all the damage suffered from the big surf we had here 2-3 weeks ago (mostly nose related). 2; to reshape and make the strakes more aggressive and molding in some tubbies.
really! if i wanted to without add ing layer of glass, to gelcoat what do i do then? wouldn't adding glass to the hull add more weight?( more than just the usual reinforcing on the inside)
If you do it right, the added weight should be well under 5lbs. I beach my SJ 15FT up on the beach every weekend and no paint in the world will hold up.
I'm not a weight weenie and to be honest, any extra weight added to the lowest part of a ski (low c/o/g bottom) will only help in ocean hook-up and tracking.
EDIT: I almost forgot. For anyone that is gelcoating, it is vital to know that there are 2 types of gelcoats (actually its 3). You can buy them with or without the WAX added. If you use gelcoat with wax added, you must sand before applying an extra layer. Gelcoat without wax can be re-coated after if tacks. I always buy gelcoat without wax and have a 1pt container of wax additive so I can mix and use how I wish depending on project. If you spray or roll with a wax added gelcoat then respray, the final layer will not chemically bond.