Wow, that's great! Can you do my boat?

JuneBug · 02-03-07, 08:39

OK, I did a friend's SUV and yessir buddy - she was dull and in need of some polishing! And he like my work so much he asked if I would do his boat, 22-24 foot deck boat that sat out in the sun for the last few years. He's already had the engine overhauled and redid the seats. The floor and hull are chalky with neglect. I did some on-line research and talked to the boat guys where I bought my boat a few years ago (kept two years, put 20 hours on it - sold it!) and I've bought the gel coat cleaner, compound and the sealer from my old dealer. I bought a kit with wool pads and pad brush, pad cleaner on line. I was wondering if any of ya'll ever detailed a boat and if so, what are some tips you could pass on to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

flatstick · 02-06-07, 08:11

Well I sure hope you are using a rotary on a boat that has sit in the sun for a couple of years with little or no care. a boat has a gelcoat that will oxidize very fast if not cared for. also a gelcoat is much thicker than the cc on a car. they usually require more abrasive products to get the job done. the bad news is that even if you get the gelcoat looking good the oxidation more than likely will return , especially if it is bad to start with. if you relay this info to the owner and let them know that it will need constant care after the initial polishing you would be smart. a boat also tends to take a lot more time due to the size of them and you need to charge accordingly. are you just going to work on the gelcoat ? have included a few pics of my bassboat that is in good shape, especially considering it is a 98

I really need to get some full sun pics, was a cloudy day when I took these. it looks great in the sun. it has been well maintained and I like to think it shows. boats are tough to take care of and expensive but for me I enjoy any time on the water I can get as it is very relaxing. hope I answered some of your questions.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h8...22boat0006.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h8...22boat0004.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h8...22boat0005.jpg

JuneBug · 02-06-07, 09:58

Thanks man, 95 views and on one ventured an opinion - must be a record here! I've done some more research on gel coats - thanks to ProperBoatCare. As far as price goes, my dealer said he normally charges 500 bucks for compounding and sealing gelcoat - hull and top side. I plan on asking 250, cause it's my first boat, a good friend - that is sending me more business and he will be giving me and the family a few boat rides this summer. And yes I have a Makita, just waiting for the wonder wool (not sold in stores) pads to be delivered via UPS. Another thing is I can do this boat in a nice warm warehouse, cause it's been right chilly lately.

rydawg · 02-06-07, 10:09

I've done a lot of boats and I will tell you they are a pain. Especially if they are white and powdery from ocean use. You need a good degreaser to start with and wash the whole boat. This will ensure that the salt and contaminates are off. I have had the best luck with "PINK STUF". It can be purchased at VIP auto parts stores or some parts stores.

Second, you need a good rotory and a 100% twisted wool pad and a heavy coarse compound that is made for boats. You will also need a spray bottle with water and spray your pad and this will break the compound down to a finer grit so you get more gloss. I have had some boats so bad that I have burned a rotory up in flames one time! Ya boats are fun! I do not do big boats anymore, but I love doing bass boats that have speckly paint.

Then when it is all glossy you will need to use a good marine wax! I love fk1 1000p for many reasons...It's made for boats, extremely durable, can layer 3 coats right after another with no waiting for curing time, and is extremely glossy!

rydawg · 02-06-07, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuneBug

Thanks man, 95 views and on one ventured an opinion - must be a record here! I've done some more research on gel coats - thanks to ProperBoatCare. As far as price goes, my dealer said he normally charges 500 bucks for compounding and sealing gelcoat - hull and top side. I plan on asking 250, cause it's my first boat, a good friend - that is sending me more business and he will be giving me and the family a few boat rides this summer. And yes I have a Makita, just waiting for the wonder wool (not sold in stores) pads to be delivered via UPS. Another thing is I can do this boat in a nice warm warehouse, cause it's been right chilly lately.

What is the wonder wool?

JuneBug · 02-06-07, 10:28

Wonder wool is the name I gave to the pads I ordered, their description was a little too PT Barnum but what the heck, If you don't toot your horn how will the masses find you. I will say that the on-line store was very good with e-mails and I hope to get a tracking number from brown Santa (UPS) today.

rydawg · 02-06-07, 10:45

I love brown Santa!

What else do you need to know?

flatstick · 02-06-07, 10:50

Wonder wool is the name I gave to the pads I ordered, their description was a little too PT Barnum but what the heck, If you don't toot your horn how will the masses find you. I will say that the on-line store was very good with e-mails and I hope to get a tracking number from brown Santa (UPS) today.

Wonder wool, that is funny that you made your own name lol ! hope you get your stuff soon. keep us updated on the pads and how the boat goes for you. glad to see you have a rotary as it will be needed. will be nice to work in the warehouse. would be cool as well if this guy gets you some work. word of mouth is a great thing

JuneBug · 02-07-07, 04:35

Santa came late yesterday - I was pleased with the package. It's CMA or ProperAutocare- boat care - same company. I ordered on Friday afternoon and got it Tuesday - not bad and everything was there, good job packaging. It's the same guy that owns/invented Blackfire so I got a 30 something page glossy brochure on Blackfire, probably good stuff but seemed a bit pricey. I got 3 wool pads, 1 foam pad with "fingers" 3 MF towels, 2 applicators, a wire brush for the wool pads, snappy clean packs and a bottle of pad lube. All for 80 bucks (including shipping) Now if I had ordered something else and got my bill over 75 dollars the shipping would have been free - DOH!

The boat is a big white deck boat - can't wait.....