Cost and amount of materials

[Johnny Venomous]

Ive got a 30 ft. Cobra Teminator Cat and I was wondering what materials would cost? I want to re-spray the whole boat with a nice new shiny white layer of gel coat after I do a couple of touch ups. Can I use my auto paint spray gun, I have all of the normal auto body tools already(spray guns, sanders and buffer). How much of what materials do I need and roughly what should it cost.
Thanks,
Johnny

[Gordie Miller]

and it's been proven remarkably accurate MANY times. Figure out how long it will take, how much it willl cost...........now TRIPLE both of those and you are real close.

[AlaskaStreamin]

From my experience you aren't going to get a "shiny" finish with gelcoat without spending several days of sanding and several more days buffing. I spray gelcoat with a Binks #7 and a #2001. I thin it 10% max with styrene and go for it. I would guess 10 gallons of gelcoat at roughly $200.00 per 5 gal pail.

Several years ago I did a 15' Boston Whaler. I sprayed 2 gallons on the outside (four coats) and sanded through in a few places. I spent days with air sanders to get to 400 grit then went with a air vibrating sander and wet sanded to 1000 then polished. In one year in the salt water, it looked like crap and needed more buffing. Now I spray Interlux Interthane plus on all the repaints. It's super tough and no polishing is necessary. I looked at a boat I painted eight years ago (sitting in the salt water) and it is still glossy.