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Boat Care Glossary

Plain explanations of common boat repair, maintenance and refit terms; each links to the relevant guide or service.

Osmosis
Water seeping under the gelcoat and reacting with the laminate to form blisters on a fibreglass boat. →
Blister
A fluid-filled bubble under the gelcoat on the underwater surface; not every blister is osmosis. →
Gelcoat
The coloured, glossy protective outer layer of a fibreglass boat. →
Antifouling
Underwater paint that protects the hull from marine growth like weed and mussels. →
Fibreglass (GRP)
Glass fibre and resin composite, the most common boat hull material. →
Epoxy
A resin with high adhesion and waterproofing; preferred for structural repair and barrier coats. →
Polyester resin
The economical resin most boats are built with, compatible with the original laminate. →
Epoxy filler (Fairing)
A two-part filler that fills cracks and unevenness to create a smooth surface. →
Caulking
Making the seams between planks watertight on a wooden boat. →
Oakum
The cotton/flax fibre driven into seams in traditional caulking. →
Teak
A prized, water-resistant wood used for decks thanks to its natural oils. →
Synthetic teak
Maintenance-free PVC/EVA-based deck covering that looks like teak. →
Hull scale
The hard lime/crust layer that builds up on the hull, increasing drag and needing removal. →
Blasting
Removing built-up old paint/antifouling by sanding or soda blasting. →
Winterising
End-of-season haul-out, wash-down, covering and safe storage of the boat. →
Hardstand / Haul-out
The area where a boat is hauled ashore; underwater work is done here. →
Anode (Zinc)
A sacrificial part that protects underwater metals from galvanic corrosion. →
2K polyurethane
A two-part, highly durable, high-gloss superyacht-grade paint. →
Primer
The coat applied under paint for adhesion, coverage and corrosion protection. →
Bilge
The lowest part of the boat where water collects; protected with special paint. →
Bimini / Canvas
A fabric cover over the cockpit protecting from sun and rain. →
Cold-molding
Cross-laminating thin wood veneers with epoxy for a strong, light, waterproof hull. →
Refit
A comprehensive, multi-item renewal of a boat; usually needs single-hand project management. →
Detailing
Renewing the boat's surface with interior-exterior cleaning, compound-polish and gelcoat protection. →
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