I discovered today that around the time around the Fourth my deck received some burns that I assume are from nearby fire works. There is a peppering of small and larger black burns on the front of the coach roof and on the side decks. I have no experience with with this sort of repair and am looking for advice.
Try a stiff brush and Tilex.
It looks as though the fireworks burnt through the gelcoat in some of those spots. It is quite possible to repair the gelcoat but it would be a lot easier if it was a smooth surface. The non-slip is formed in the original molding of the deck and getting a surface to match will be difficult. It looks like a job for a professional. Can you claim on you have insurance?
There is a product available called Gibco Flexmold which allows you to reproduce the nonskid pattern in a gelcoat repair. I bought a small piece but haven’t tried it yet. Gibco stocks the pattern used by Freedom.
Try cleaning it first to see what the actual damage is. It might not be as visible as you think it is.
FWIW one of my Son’s friends was smoking in the cockpit while they partied on the boat with a few gals. I was a thousand miles away at the time. He apparently dropped some hot ashes on the lazarette lid and made a few nasty burn marks. These did not penetrate the gelcoat but looked pretty bad. I was thoroughly pissed to say the least!
However, after a month or two in the California Delta sun I could no longer see any discoloration and, years later, there is only a tiny mark to commemorate the party incident.
I never let my Son forget it when he boards the boat. Ironically he is now a licensed Master Mariner (unlimited tonnage) and commands his own ship these days. Believe me, he won’t tolerate such behavior from his crew.
I know, I am a brag, but really proud of him despite his friend’s misdemeanor.