Help with Gelcoat on 60 Clipper!

[60Clipper]

Well I've gotten the inside to the point of re-installing the seat etc. now it's time for the hull.

I've scrubbed the hull with Comet and a Scotch Brite pad, used Attwood hull cleaner and wet sanded the first strake with 400 grit but it still looks dingy and you can see what the original color was from under where the registration numbers were. What can I do to get it back to the original color?







It was always off white, to go with the Mahogany on top, I guess. I'd rather not paint it and the wife would like it in the water by the end of the month. No pressure there hugh?!?!??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[saildan]

Re: Help with Gelcoat on 60 Clipper!

I've scrubbed the hull with Comet and a Scotch Brite pad, used Attwood hull cleaner and wet sanded the first strake with 400 grit but it still looks dingy and you can see what the original color was from under where the registration numbers were. What can I do to get it back to the original color?

It was always off white

By the looks of the shine (the first strake) you appear to have removed any chalky oxidation with your scrubbing and sanding. So long as that's a clean gelcoat shine and not just a temporary wax shine.

If you clean a spot with mineral spirits to remove any wax and buff it with a soft cloth, is it still fairly shiny. Or is it back to dull with chalky residue continuing to rub off on a dark rag.

Since the color shift seems to be overall and fairly even then it's probably not a stain that a chemical will get out. That leaves aging and sun bleaching/altering. Nothing will bring back what the sun/age has changed.

Shine it up, put new numbers back where the old ones were and no one will be the wiser.

 

[60Clipper]

Re: Help with Gelcoat on 60 Clipper!

saildan,
Well I tried some Purple Power and it did help some more but as much as I hate to use the quote" it is what it is" I think I'm stuck with it the way it is. The shine you see was just with the 400 grit and nothing else. I have 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000. I planned on going through those then rubbing compound and polishing compound. Then a good wax, just not sure which to use yet.

Unfortunately the numbers were for Michigan registration, where the boat was. I'm living in Maryland and I'll have to change them. I'm not sure what they'll be yet. That may get interesting. Maybe I can mount them like a bumper sticker so to speak.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Help with Gelcoat on 60 Clipper!

You can have a complete vinyl sticker made with your numbers on it to cover any size area.

 

[saildan]

Re: Help with Gelcoat on 60 Clipper!

saildan,
Well I tried some Purple Power and it did help some more but as much as I hate to use the quote" it is what it is" I think I'm stuck with it the way it is. The shine you see was just with the 400 grit and nothing else. I have 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000. I planned on going through those then rubbing compound and polishing compound. Then a good wax, just not sure which to use yet.

Unfortunately the numbers were for Michigan registration, where the boat was. I'm living in Maryland and I'll have to change them. I'm not sure what they'll be yet. That may get interesting. Maybe I can mount them like a bumper sticker so to speak.

Sounds to me like you've done or are doing all the right stuff. The shine you are getting looks great now. By the time you power buff with a polishing compound it should be as close to new as I imagine you could get.

I guess the bumper sticker is the way to go. Maybe ondarvr will come back with a tried source. Otherwise you probably have to Google something up.

Hope you get it all done before the wife makes you sleep in the boat.

 

[60Clipper]

Re: Help with Gelcoat on 60 Clipper!

Sounds to me like you've done or are doing all the right stuff. The shine you are getting looks great now. By the time you power buff with a polishing compound it should be as close to new as I imagine you could get.

I guess the bumper sticker is the way to go. Maybe ondarvr will come back with a tried source. Otherwise you probably have to Google something up.

Hope you get it all done before the wife makes you sleep in the boat.

I think I'm there already, but she's the one who set the deadline.

You can have a complete vinyl sticker made with your numbers on it to cover any size area.

Ondarvr any suggestions as to where to obtain the vinyl sticker?

 

[huskerdaninva]

Re: Help with Gelcoat on 60 Clipper!

iboats has them here, as do any number of folks on ebay or a decal/signmaker in your area. I got my registration numbers, two sets, in 3" with my choice of several fonts/colors from a gentleman in NC on ebay for $17.00 w/ free shipping. Marine grade vinyl w/ 7 year warranty on sun fade/bleach out. Easy as pie to install and I was very happy with the results. Good luck...

 

[60Clipper]

Re: Help with Gelcoat on 60 Clipper!

Dan,
Great, thank you very much.

Bob