What would it take to improve this mess 56K NONO

[Buick_guy]

My father and I have always looked after our boat, just never the finish. When it was new, guys would pull us over on the highway just to complement and ask us about it.



Well, after 26 odd years of using it, and it being though some of the worst weather amaginable, it looks like crap.



Since I became a member of this elite group of obsessed detailers, I learned that its not always the paint (well it really is but,) but, it could also be oxidation.





Sorry for the bad quality pictures, but they do to show what it looks like.



Any help as to what may remove it, and the like would be greatly appreciated.









(We now have a 250 Merc sitting to go on it:D)

Somewhat the best looking part of the paint job: http://img76.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Zach4u2c/Picture_4.jpg



http://img76.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Zach4u2c/Picture_2.jpg

http://img76.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Zach4u2c/Picture_6.jpg

http://img76.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Zach4u2c/Picture_7.jpg

The paint is only cracked because someone stupid decided to dance on the bow!:angry

http://img76.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Zach4u2c/Picture_8.jpg

http://img76.photobucket.com/albums/v232/Zach4u2c/Picture_9.jpg]

[mnbv]

I would say wash it, clay, polish, seal?

[Buick_guy]

I know the steps, I was just looking for help as to what type of polish would work to remove this bad of oxidation.



I tried SFP, but it didn`t do as much as I wanted. I used a quater sized drop of product, but it only lasted about a 1/2" by 1/2" section! I figure it would take me about 4 bottles of it to make a dent in it.



So, is there anything out there that might help a little more?

[mnbv]

hmm, perhaps diluted degreaser like orange blast?

[LightngSVT]

Probably get some marine specific, gel coat products? I used Wax Freenzy on my Jetskis and it made a world of difference on their gelcoat.

[imported_YouGottaBeLeaf]

Wouldn`t AIO work? It has a picture of an airplane on the bottle...so if it`s good enough for aviation wouldn`t it be good enough for a boat?

[vapore0n]

I woukld use AIO after some heavy cleaner. If youre planning on walking the front of the boat, do you want a super slick surface? (SG?)

[Buick_guy]

No, we aren`t planning on walking on the front, one of my dad`s drunk friends did, and cracked the paint. I tried AIO, but it wouldn`t touch it. I don`t know, maybe we have to repaint:(





***EDIT*** ITS NOT A GELCOAT PAINT!

[Scott P]

If AIO didn`t touch it, I wonder if Meg`s Medallion PPC or Poorboy`s Pro Polish would work?

[Buick_guy]

I think I`ll try some rubbing compound, cause I don`t think anything else will touch it. I`d like Mike`s opinion, or scottwax, since I believe both have worked on boats.

[bluesky]

buick_guy,

talk to this guy he is a pro. boat detailer on mobileworks.com .

his home page is www.precision-online.com (precisionautomarine) he should be able to help with what you need to bring back the shine

[tomstin]

3M MarineSuper Duty Rubbing Compound cleaned up my 70s vintage Dory. Work it until it breaks down. Powerful stuff. I think you will find that the fiberglass specific products work a little better on the boats. Once it`s good and clean, the automotive products work pretty well.



http://www.boatersworld.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=659110&topCategory=249085&cat1=275326&cat2=463327

[imported_mahd]

You could check out Poorboys SSR line, it says its safe for gel coats



http://www.eshine.ca/BrandPoorBoys.htm

[Buick_guy]

Well. thanks for the link blue_sky, but I`m in Canada, so New Jersey is a little too far to go to have a boat detailed when I could do it myself.



Also, I`ve heard about someone talking about some 3M rubbing compound that can be found at Canadian Tire for a couple of bucks. I might try that before I start spending big bucks on other more expensive products.





Thanks for the help.



PS. Once again, it isn`t a Gelcoat.

[HotRodGuy]

It`s gonna take a lot, because that fiberglass is most likely gonna absorb any and every ounce of liquid put into it. It looks HORRIBLY dry!