In 2002 - 2006 some of the boats produced by Sykes Racing used a gel coating process supplied by Sydney based firm "Consolidated Coatings".

During late 2006 it became apparent that a small quantity of the gel coating supplied by Consolidated Coatings was possibly displaying greater signs of surface deterioration than might otherwise be expected and Sykes subsequently put out a notice to all potentially affected customers advising of this possibility and of our offer to repaint your hull irrespective of the conditions to which your hull has been exposed at a very nominal cost.

Consolidated Coatings was a major supplier of gel coats across many industries including the Boating industry (they are no longer in business) and our subsequent investigations indicated that our experience was not in isolation. While we were not able to determine the exact causes of the deterioration, it was possible that reductions in the required levels of certain additives within the gel coat, could when coupled with other factors, have led to a decline in the customarily expected condition of the surface coating of a finished Sykes Racing hull.

If your boat has been effected it is possible that your boat may be displaying some slight signs of premature crazing or cracking of the gel coat generally (but not exclusively) around the waterline. There is no deterioration in the structural integrity of the hull itself and there is no impact on the longevity of the boat. We wish to reiterate that this may only be a possibility and indeed if any deterioration has occurred it may have no relationship whatsoever to the Gel coat supplied by Consolidated Coatings.

The use of Sykes boats, and the waters in which they are used are outside of the control of Sykes Racing and / or Consolidated Coatings and many factors could have contributed to the condition of your boat. Customer experience to date indicates that surface deterioration may be more likely where boats have been used in hotter climates especially when exposed to high levels of direct sunshine for long periods, indicating that the inherent UV protection may possibly have been effected. Use in polluted waters and reactions to chemicals on the hull surface have also been a factor as has cleaning with acidic detergent washes such as truck washes which have been shown to strip away vital surface protection.

Sykes boats require periodic attention to the hull surface very much like the duco of a car requires regular attention to keep it in good condition. Over time, usage and the elements do combine to reduce the surface protection which if left unchecked will eventually lead to a breakdown in the condition of the finished surface. We are happy to advise you at any time of the best practice and appropriate products to use for the care of your equipment.

While it is not possible for us to guarantee the products made by others, we are very proud of the content, quality and workmanship that go into producing a Sykes Boat. Sykes Racing has been a dominant world force in racing boat design and manufacture for more than four decades, so to reaffirm our high standards and the fact that we are conscious of the impact that any perceived premature deterioration of the gel coat may have on the market value of your boat, if your boat has been effected we are prepared to repaint your hull irrespective of the conditions to which your hull has been exposed at a very nominal cost.

Please note that the processes / materials used in manufacture and repainting / repair of rowing boats are very different. A gel coat is not used in repair, but rather paint (generally several layers thereof) is applied. As it is both a different process and material we do not guarantee that the hull will either be at the same weight (minimum or otherwise) or that the hull will look the same as when the boat was new. It is not our intention or a process that will return the hull to as new condition. If this is what you require this may be possible - and which maybe at additional cost, which we would advise to you after inspection of the boat.

Notwithstanding that any effected boat is now well outside any manufacturer's warranty period offered upon original sale of the boat, if you now wish to return your boat to Sykes we will offer to repaint your hull at the following nominal cost based on the year of manufacture of the boat.

This offer and prices expired on the 31st December 2010, future options from this date will be considered by negotiation.

As many factors could have affected the condition of your hull - usual wear and tear, any damage and subsequent repairs by others etc.; if you believe you have an effected hull, we invite you to discuss your particular situation with us.

If you would like further information or wish to discuss this further please contact our sales team.