Gellcoat v boat enamel

[Deaks]

Hi all.
I'm on the point of buying my first boat and dithering about going for a Kestrel.
Seller describes it as 'NOT ORIGINAL GEL COAT BUT HAS BEEN RE- FINISHED TO A HIGH STANDARD IN BOAT ENAMEL'.
Is this something I should worry about? Should it have an impact on price?

Thanks in advance,
Deaks

[onewatt]

Hi deaks

I think not being original gel coat should effect the price , I personally wouldn't buy a boat that's not original gel, my advice would be to check the boat over carefully as any problems with the boat/ repairs can be hidden with fresh paint or anti-foul , where as with original gel you can see the condition 100% before you buy

Mike

[deeandmartin]

Hi, we bought our first boat a 535 which was painted on the bottom hull up to the rubbing strip and original gel coat on the top side, our current 570 is all original gel coat. It wouldn't put us off buying a boat that had been painted but as per the previous reply I would give it a thorough check over and possibly consider a survey depending on the boat price and your own thoughts on the boat itself when you see it. Just as a matter of interest when we sold our 535 we had done some work on her and having been painted on the lower hull didn't stop us getting top price for her. Hope this helps and good luck. Dee

[Deaks]

Thanks Mike and Dee
I think I'll enquire about the costs of a professional inspection because I'm out of my depth here. (!)
Thanks for the advice.
Deaks