Gelcoat Repairs 

The glossy finish on your WASZP foiling dinghy isn’t just for looks — it’s called gelcoat, and it plays a critical role in protecting your boat. Gelcoat is a pigmented resin that covers the fiberglass structure of the hull. It creates a durable outer skin that resists water intrusion, UV damage, and scratches, while giving the boat its sleek appearance.

Over time, chips and dings are inevitable.  Your hull might pick up a scrape sailing or during transport. That’s where gelcoat repair comes in. By patching damaged areas with fresh gelcoat, you restore the boat’s protective layer and keep your WASZP looking clean, sharp and well-maintained.

Important Note:  Underneath the gelcoat is an enormously tough composite hull that is mostly indestructible.  Cracks and flaking of the gelcoat in 99% of cases are not the same as damage to the structure of the boat and can be repaired by the sailor.

Sourcing Gelcoat Locally

Because gelcoat is a hazardous material, it cannot be easily shipped internationally. This means each sailor must source gelcoat through local marine suppliers, composites shops, or fiberglass repair specialists. The good news is that many companies can tint gelcoat to standard color codes (known as RAL), allowing you to match your WASZP exactly.

An example of a supplier in the U.S. is Fibre Glast, which provides custom-colored gelcoats. In other regions, check with local marine stores or fiberglass distributors and ask for gelcoat mixed to the correct RAL color code.

WASZP Gelcoat Color Codes

Here are the official colors used on WASZP hulls:

Red: RAL 3020

Blue: RAL 5015

Grey: RAL 7037

White: RAL 9016

When contacting suppliers, simply request gelcoat in [color] matched to RAL [code] and they will mix it for you.

Quick Tips for Sailors

Order a small repair quantity — usually 100ml to 250ml is enough for patch work.

Gelcoat requires a catalyst to cure. Always confirm that your supplier includes the correct catalyst (commonly MEKP) and follow their recommended mixing ratios precisely. Mix thoroughly to ensure a proper cure.

Test a small area before doing a large repair to confirm the color match.

For larger or structural damage, consult a professional repair shop.

Bottom line: Gelcoat keeps your WASZP protected and looking its best. With the right RAL codes in hand and a local supplier, sailors everywhere can handle small repairs quickly and get back to flying.