Job Description Job Description
Job Title: Gelcoat Finisher / Buffer
Company: Barker Boatworks
Location: Sarasota, FL
About Barker Boatworks: Barker Boatworks is a leading manufacturer of high-performance, custom-built center console boats. We are committed to delivering exceptional quality and craftsmanship to our customers. We are seeking a Gelcoat Finisher to bring our laminated hulls, decks, liners, and components to a show-quality finish.
Job Summary: The Gelcoat Finisher takes cured, de-molded fiberglass parts and finishes them to final cosmetic standard - repairing surface defects, sanding through progressive grits, and cutting and buffing to a deep, uniform gloss.
Responsibilities:
Inspection and Repair:
- Inspect de-molded parts under proper lighting for porosity, pinholes, voids, print-through, blisters, and color variation.
- Repair surface defects using catalyzed gelcoat paste and putty - grinding out, filling, feathering, and curing to a sound, blended repair.
- Repair scratches, chips, and handling damage occurring during rigging, assembly, and pre-delivery.
Sanding and Polishing:
- Wet and dry sand through progressive grit sequences (typically 320 through 1000+) to remove defects and level the surface without burning through the gelcoat film.
- Cut, polish, and finish with compounds and dual-action buffers to achieve high-gloss, swirl-free results.
- Finish nonskid, textured surfaces, radiused corners, and tight interior areas by hand where machine access is limited.
- Detail and protect finished parts for movement through assembly and delivery.
General:
- Meet finish standards consistently while hitting the production schedule.
- Keep a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with shop safety protocols.
Qualifications:
- Experience in gelcoat finishing, marine detailing, auto body finishing, or a related sanding-and-polishing trade. Strong candidates without direct marine experience will be considered and trained.
- Comfortable with DA sanders, rotary buffers, grinders, and standard hand tools.
- Understanding of grit progression and the discipline not to skip steps.
- Ability to judge a finish critically - you can see a swirl, a low spot, or a mismatched patch that others walk past.
- Familiarity with gelcoat paste repair, catalyst ratios, and cure behavior is a strong plus.
- Able to lift 50 lbs, work overhead and on staging, kneel and work in confined areas such as bilges and hull interiors, and tolerate a shop environment with dust and fumes.
Benefits:
- Competitive pay based on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off.
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing company.
