Catalina 250 Owner's Manual page 45

10) Lay piece of cellophane over the patch to start the curing process. Repeat step 6, trimming patch
when partially cured.
11) Immediately after trimming. place another small amount of gel coat on one edge of the patch and
cover with cellophane. Then, using a rubber squeegee or back of the razor blade, squeegee level
with area surrounding the patch. Leave cellophane on patch for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight, for a
complete cure.
12) USING A SANDING BLOCK, sand the patched area with 600 grit WET sandpaper. Finish by
rubbing or buffing with a fine rubbing compound. Some slight color difference may be ob-served.
Weathering will blend touch-up, if properly applied.
Most fiberglass boats are manufactured of two types of material, permanently bonded together by a
chemical reaction. The outside surface is formed by a colored gel coat. This is a special resin
material containing concentrated color. It provides a smooth, finished surface.
The second "layer" is made up of polyester resin reinforced with laminations of fiberglass mat, cloth
or woven roving. Both the gel coat and polyester resin are "cured" by a chemical catalyst which
causes them to form a hard, strong mass that is highly resistant to impact and damage.
After sailing, a good hosing down with fresh water and a mild detergent will keep your boat sparkling
fresh and clean. The non-skid surfaces may need to be scrubbed with detergent. Smooth glass areas
may be polished with liquid wax or any good fiberglass wax to add extra luster. In the case of older
boats, where some fading of the gel coat has occurred the surface should be buffed with polishing
compound and then wax finished.
Catalina 250 Owner's Manual
Page 44