How thick is gelcoat on a boat?

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Open

9 Models • 21' → 40'

Built for families who want serious offshore capability, premium comfort and the freedom to fish, cruise or entertain.

Sportsman 402 center console boat with tower, white hull, and outboard engine in side profile view

Open 402

White center console fishing boat with hard-top canopy and outboard engine shown in side profile

Open 352

Blue and white Sportsman center console boat with hard-top, tan seating, and outboard engine shown in profile view

Open 322

Sportsman 302 center console boat with hard-top and outboard engine in gray and white hull

Open 302

Sportsman center console boat with hard-top, tan seating, and Yamaha outboard engine shown from starboard side

Open 282

Light blue Sportsman center console boat with hard-top, tan seating, and Yamaha outboard engine

Open 262

Sportsman 252 center console boat with turquoise hull, hard-top, and outboard engine in profile view

Open 252

Sportsman open center console boat with hard-top, outboard engine, and tan seating in blue and white hull design

Open 232

Blue and white Sportsman center console boat with hard-top, side profile view against white background

Open 212

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Heritage

4 Models • 23' → 32'

A refined crossover lineup designed for coastal cruising, ample seating, family days and some fishing when the moment calls for it.

Turquoise and white center console boat with hard-top and outboard motor, shown in side profile

Heritage 321

Turquoise and white center console fishing boat with hard-top, Yamaha engine, and tan seating viewed from the side

Heritage 261

Blue and white Sportsman center console boat with hard-top and outboard engine shown in profile view

Heritage 251

Sportsman Heritage 231 center console boat with hard-top, outboard engine, and tan seating in light blue and white

Heritage 231

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Masters

6 Models • 22' → 28'

Shallow-water performance, fishing-focused layouts and everyday comfort built for family life and fishing.

Side profile of a blue and white center console boat with hard-top and outboard engine

Masters 287

Blue and white Sportsman bay boat with Yamaha outboard engine and T-top against white background

Masters 267

Blue and white Sportsman center console fishing boat with Yamaha outboard motor and T-top shade structure

Masters 267OE

SportCraft Masters 247 bay boat with hard-top, Yamaha outboard engine, and tan seating viewed from the side

Masters 247

Sportsman center console bay boat with hard-top, Yamaha outboard engine, and tan seating viewed from the side

Masters 247OE

Sportsman 227 bay boat in turquoise and white with T-top, center console helm, and outboard motor in side profile view

Masters 227

 
Blog > How thick is gelcoat on a boat?

Sportsman Boats answers the frequently asked questions including how Sportsman applies the gelcoat layer and how thick it is.

November 19, 2021
Cover image for the post How thick is gelcoat on a boat?
  • Gelcoat is the single tough outer layer that can be sanded and buffed to restore the original finish.
  • Gelcoat thickness is measured with a mill gauge at quality stations to ensure proper thickness and prevent the gelcoat from becoming translucent or brittle.
  • A team of engineers and technicians ensures each boat is built correctly and safely with tailored gelcoat thickness for its model.

The outside layer component of a boat is called gelcoat which is a pigmented layer of resin. Gelcoat is one single tough layer. This allows it to be sanded and buffed throughout its life to bring back the original finish.

Image of Sportsman Boats employee testing the thickness of sprayed gelcoat using a mill gauge.

Once the gelcoat has been sprayed on the mold, to ensure proper thickness and consistency, a quality technician takes measurements using a mill gauge. This is a small metal tool that allows our team to measure the thickness of the gelcoat. Proper thickness of gelcoat is key. Improper thickness can cause gelcoat to be translucent or brittle. The results are closely recorded using a tablet at each of the quality stations.

Each boat will have a different level of necessary thickness, but rest assured, our team of qualified engineers and technicians ensure each boat is built correctly and safely so you and your family can enjoy your peace of mind and time while out on the water.

For more information on How Sportsman Boats are made, check out our “Behind the Glass” series: https://www.sportsmanboatsmfg.com/series/1-behind-the-glass-season-1

Information pulled from Building A Boat Hull The Sportsman Way - Sportsman's "Behind The Glass" (Season 1 - Episode 1) and the Sportsman Boats website.