Gelcoat vs No Gelcoat (HPR-Powerboats)

[boredom.is.me]

Hey everyone,

I know this has probably been beaten death already, but I haven't found anything specific during my search. I am in contact with Hans over at HPR about getting an HPR Mono 010. I have decided on getting the carbon/kevlar lay up. I'm honestly not a fan of exposed carbon, but the carbon/kevlar is just so pretty. I asked if he could leave the stripe exposed (see below), but now I am wondering if I should ask him to just leave the entire upper half without gel coat. Opinions and experiences are very much appreciated.

As for paint, I'm pretty damn good with a can of lacquer, but I will definitely look into getting the work done from a professional shop.

image-cf369926d692920dd14b37b59367c37ae9d117111cbbd229ba3cc4966a100fa4-V.jpg image-1ee670471015add2fb252cdf766c49ff2ad372aeef1c190f33ddc9fa9c29cda6-V.jpg
Photos from: http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...9-Hpr-010-mono



I would like to have the carbon/kevlar exposed similar to the red stripe here. The rest of the design will be centered around that.

hpr_mono_mystic_miguel_details_102.jpg

[dmitry100]

That look is awesome for sure, but one thing that bugs me is how (black pigmented) epoxy looks with it on motor mounts, servo mounts, etc.
Haven't really come across anyone that made theirs look nice yet...

[boredom.is.me]

Unfortunately, I don't think there is really any way around that. It can be minimized by leaving a thinner outside seam and really laying it on the inner sides. I'm glad you brought that up though. I will be making my own motor mount. I wasn't sure if I should use aluminum or carbon for the side plates.

TwinMount.jpg

[T.S.Davis]

Hans' glass is like fiber *!***!***!***!**ography.

I find gel coat easier to paint onto. Even if it's clear gel. Less air holes and imperfections to deal with. You could ask him to do a clear gel on the whole boat and then paint what you don't want to see.

[boredom.is.me]

Awesome advice! I know that gel is far superior due to the fact that it is part of the layup, but I didn't think that clear would be an option. I sent Hans a message about it. Now we wait.

[dmitry100]

But don't you also have to blueprint the bottom ride pads when you have thick gel coat? Since with gel coat (not sure if this is the case with all gel coats and makers) the bottom pad edges turn out "dull" and not sharp like I have on my standard HPR.

[boredom.is.me]

What do you mean when you say standard? Regarding the sharpness, I would think that is more a result of the mold and/or lay up.

[T.S.Davis]

Sharpness and clarity of the gels finish is a direct result of the molds layup. If your plug is imperfect so too is your mold. This is why most work the plug until it is mirror like.

If you use white gel or clear gel you still get an HPR quality build.

That said......an acquantance of mine makes CF parts for the Jaguar race team. He adds a number of layers of automotive clear on top of the gel so it can be polished to a mirror finish.

[boredom.is.me]

The extra clear coats also help with UV protection, provided you use a real clear.

[T.S.Davis]

By the way. I use west special clear to seal my wood and then use a clear Klasscoat on top of that. Works great.

[boredom.is.me]

I woke to some sad news. Oh well

"outside the carbon/kevlar optic is absolut not possible. i can not work with Vakuum !!!!!!

only White soory"

I'm guessing he starts with a much finer, possibly fiberglass to fill the corners and achieve the finished exterior surfaces.