Gelcoat

[albertr]

I like the new Avalanche but I wish it had gelcoat. How important is Gelcoat apart from appearance in your experience and opinion? Thks....Al

[Festus2]

I am not sure whether or not the new Avalanche has a gelcoat finish. If it has fiberglass sides, it will have some type of expoxy or resin coating on it. Gelcoat is not only for aesthetic purposes. It also provides a durable coating to the fibers underneath as well as preventing UV degradation and moisture from entering the fiberglass strands (hydrolysis). Despite what you may think, fiberglass can become "water logged" if not protected with some type of coating - like gelcoat. Just ask anyone who has owned a fiberglass boat!
So, in answer to your question, gelcoat is not just a pretty-looking surface coating.