What is gel coat?

[Questor]

I don't understand what gel coat does for fiberglass boats. Can you tell me what it is and what it does? Thanks.

[heartattack22]

Gel coat is the final layer put on over the fiberglass to make the boat smooth. Fiberglass is either sprayed on or layed down in mats. It is very rough and makes everyone I know itch. If it wasn't for the gel coat, no one would like fiberglass boats. Hope this helps. Maybe someone else will have a more technical answer.

[New Yankee]

Yep - the outer layer of the fiberglass is the fiberglass resin that also contains the color.

[DonBo]

Actually, fiberglass boats are made in reverse. They are made in a mold. The clear gel-cote is sprayed into the mold, followed by the color, followed by the fiberglass itself. It is then pulled from the mold.