badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

[replicaracks]

I have this 1981 dolphin flats boat that I want to make look a little better, as you can see in the pics the hull is oxidized badly below the water line.Can someone give me a step by step on how to make it look a little better without painting it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,....

Generally speakin', it all starts with Sandin',....

After that, the budget determines which way ya wanta Go,...
You can Sand, 'n Buff...
Or Sand, 'n Gelcoat,...
Or,...
Sand, 'n Paint...

Do some readin', 'n figure out how much money, 'n effort ya wanta spend,...
Then We'll make sure ya learn how to do it,...... Right....

 

[scottn83]

Re: badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

I had the same issue as you do except i also had flake protruding through the clear on the top side. Here is a link to my restore thread that has the step by step that i did. I will say it looks pretty good now but i cant say how long it will stay this way. It has not been time tested. It has been in my garage for about 2 months while i do the interior and rebuilt the motor. Several people here say it wont last but using the tools that i have and the polishs that i used if it will last a whole season for me i don't mind redoing it each yr if i have to.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=512577&page=2&p=3607241#post3607241

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

Buy one of these from Harbor Freight.

Wash your boat with TSP(TriSodiumPhosphate, get it at Lowe's and mix according to directions).
After it dries to a wipe down with acetone keeping a clean rag.
Then get some of this...

and Use the polisher to apply but don't stay in one spot too long and don't press down too hard. You'll get the hand of it after a while. This will take the oxidation off and get you down to good gelcoat. Change your wool buffing pad often.
Give her another bath with TSP and Acetone.

Then get some of this...

Use a Clean Wool buffing pad, apply liberally and buff to shine.
She'll look like new but...It will take time, and a lot of "Elbow Grease" to bring her back to her Bee - U - Tee- Ful self. Seasonal maintenance will ensure you won't have to go thru all this work again.

 

[Lwapo]

Re: badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

What is your 2nd "Then get some of this"?

Thanks!

 

[rickryder]

Re: badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

Buy one of these from Harbor Freight.

Wash your boat with TSP(TriSodiumPhosphate, get it at Lowe's and mix according to directions).
After it dries to a wipe down with acetone keeping a clean rag.
Then get some of this...

and Use the polisher to apply but don't stay in one spot too long and don't press down too hard. You'll get the hand of it after a while. This will take the oxidation off and get you down to good gelcoat. Change your wool buffing pad often.
Give her another bath with TSP and Acetone.

Then get some of this...

Use a Clean Wool buffing pad, apply liberally and buff to shine.
She'll look like new but...It will take time, and a lot of "Elbow Grease" to bring her back to her Bee - U - Tee- Ful self. Seasonal maintenance will ensure you won't have to go thru all this work again.

Yes please do tell! or I'll have to trailer the boat to you so you can do it

 

[BillP]

Re: badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

Like bondo said, restoring gelcoat usually starts with sanding. Being a Dolfin, it likely spent some time in harsh Florida elements and could be worse than normally seen in the northern climes too. The compound may work without sanding but on badly oxidized gelcoats it only makes a shiny surface over a washed out color. To get the deep rich color back you have to sand (wet & dry of course). You may have to experiment to see what grit paper to use...for worst cases I use 600-1200 and keep it very wet. Hand sand if you aren't experienced with machine sanding. Hand sand at 45 degree angles x 2 to keep the surface true. Medium to heavy (grit) compounds leave small swirl scratches that are removed by fine polishes. Some people skip the polish stage part because the first stage surface is acceptable.

bp

 

[calvinator]

Re: badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

You'll get a lot of opinions on what works best, mine is try Aqua Buff. You'll need a 2500RPM polisher and a small tub of Aqua Buff 1000 compound and a smalltub of Aqua Buff 2000 polish. Follow up with a wax. All instructions on their web site and it is a straightforward job. IMO, I like that the product is water based, so it cleans up easily.

 

[smittyjs]

Re: badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

I have this 1981 dolphin flats boat that I want to make look a little better, as you can see in the pics the hull is oxidized badly below the water line.Can someone give me a step by step on how to make it look a little better without painting it.

Hey did you get it done? Is it back shining. I have a Dolphin also and it is good to see another owner. I am in North Miami where are you or the boat, I would like to see it if close.

 

[oops!]

Re: badly oxidized dolphin flats boat hull what are my options to restore

hi smittyjs

welcome to iboats !

getting the shine back on any boat just requires a lot of elbow grease....
you can make your boat gleam again,

just read here in the forums on how... and start a new thread,

cheers
oops