Boat peeling?

[JonnyBoats]

I was looking at http://www.myholeinthewater.com/boat%20peel.htm where a Gel Strip machine was used to plane (peel?) off the gellcoat from a hull.

Can anyone tell me more about this process?

[Tim]

Peeling is normally used when severe and widespread blisters force the removal of the gelcoat and one or more layers of the underlying laminate. Peeling removes a uniform layer of material to a set depth. In the case of a badly blistered boat, the resulting exposed laminate is normally left to dry out for some period of time before new material is laminated on from the outside, using epoxy or vinylester resin. The new laminate is then sealed with an epoxy barrier coat, which acts as a gelcoat replacement.

Obviously, peeling material from one's hull is a rather drastic measure used in the most serious of cases.

The Gel Plane, as seen on that site, is a pretty simple tool; it's basically an angle grinder with a conversion head, which is basically like a mini planer blade. The design of the tool allows the operator to hold it securely and ensure even stock removal.