Gelcoat restoration

[dpw-ct]

I have a 1996 cobalt 22' power boat, I only boat in freshwater in CT. and I am trying to eliminate some heavy oxidation. I tried Meguiars 49 with my electric buffer - slow and a wool pad. After 3 application the oxidation is just a bit better (large section left side of tape), right side is before. Is there something I should try to do differently or another product I should use. This is the worst oxidation on the boat - other areas have light to medium oxidation.

See photos below

Is sanding look like it may be a good idea fro my boat? - I tried it on a small portion - and I saw red gelcoat on the sand paper - but the oxidation was in fact mostly removed.

I'm an amateur and most of all I do not want to do any irreversible damage. If sanding is an option please let me know if you have any recommendations for type of sand paper and process.. I'd greatly appreciate any other tips you may have for my situation.

Also what's the best way to fix hairline cracks in fiberglass hull

 

[fhhuber]

hairline cracks in gelcoat... you can hide them by buffing or you can prep the surface and recoat with gelcoat or paint.

Avoid doing more sanding than you have to... try to buff it out first. Wet sanding with the finest paper that will remove the oxidized layer in a reasonable time, then buff.

Eventually you sand/buff clear through the gel coat. (might be a lot of buffing over 40+ years) Then you prepare the surface for re-coat with gel coat or paint. (or retire the hull)

The question becomes: How important is the appearance? How much are you willing to pay to make it pretty? Faded color doesn't affect how the boat floats.

DO NOT put on cheap rattle can paint without good prep... and never apply latex house paint. (seen it... its a mess to correct and usually means the hull isn't worth the effort)