Connect with your social network account

[fibersport]

I'm restoring a 1984 Century with a fiberglass deck that has an eggshell color with a molded in texture that simulates leather. After many years of poor docking practices, there are many cracks in it. I really don't think that repairing it is possible so that leaves painting, re-gel coat or cover it. I'm planning on the covering option with a marine vinyl (Armada by Endurasoft or Enduratex). Any suggestions for an adhsive to use for this? There will be some seams as I doubt it can stretch enough to cover the shape. I've heard that Weldwood Landau top and trim is the one to use - any comments?

[Frederic]

Do you have pictures?
Is it still solid enough?
You can always add a layer of thinned epoxy to fill the cracks, the pattern is a different story but can be done, if it needs more structure, I would fill the cracks, some
Prep work required and add a layer of glass over it to make it strong, then you can either put gel coat (a real pain in the a##) or have a center seam and recover it
My .02cents

[LLeeT]

In answer to your question, Weldwood Landau is your best bet. I've made some pretty good rounded corners with a bit of heat from a heat gun. Just be careful. Maybe do a test or 2 first.

[fibersport]

Here's a picture of a similar boat, it's not a very good picture but what I'm going to cover is the white area of the deck. As you can see, it has quite a few angles to it. The white continues as a harrow band all the way to the bow. My plan is a french seam at the bow with a top stitched seam in select areas at the transom. The radii are large so I'll have to pay attention where the seams will lie. Thanks LleeT -

[Frederic]

So you want to cover a portion that was not covered before?
That would be dangerous, when boarding and getting off the boat, if the fabric is slippery or wet, it might cause someone to fall overboard

[fibersport]

Yes. Actually in my boating experience, wet fiberglass can be more slippery than wet vinyl. My two previous boats had varnished mahogany, very slippery when wet and nobody ever fell overboard. One of my dad's boats had vinyl, again nobody fell overboard.