how long will gel coat last

[Jkurtz29]

Hey I just bought an '89 ranger bass boat and like any new boat owner i want to take care of it best i can. the boat has always been stored inside and looks perfect. i have been reading lots about gel coat and oxidation. how frequently should i clean my boat and wax it? once a year? 2 times, 5 times? i currently have to store the boat outside as my new garage is not yet built. any suggestions would be great. Thank you.<br /><br />Jason

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: how long will gel coat last

Its great that you are starting with a good shine already.All you have to do is wax or use a sealant as often as you can.Use something with a silicone base if you can,it will keep the gelcoat with the suffecient moisture it needs to last forever!!!!The less sun it gets when not in use the better.Cover it if you have to leave it outdoors.It sounds like overkill,but you said it looks great and thats how to keep it that way.The darker the color the more you wax it. Charlie

 

[arks]

Re: how long will gel coat last

I'd like to add that ,contrary to popular belief, boats are NOT waterproof! It pains me to see how people leave them uncovered and how it ruins the entire boat. A full cover is the best way to keep it looking nice. Oh- and make sure rainwater doesn't pool on the cover- it'll leak thru!<br /><br />If you boat in an area that leaves a stain at the waterline, put a "bootstripe" (vinyl tape) all around the boat. When it gets so nasty you can't clean it, just peel it off and the boat looks good again. I usually clean my boat AS SOON as I take it out of the water (usually in the parking lot). It is much easier to clean before the scum has a chance to dry.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: how long will gel coat last

I use full cover and keep her under a carport.<br />Totally agree with the full cover, a a custom made towing cover for towing long distances or over a few days...

 

[boat doc]

Re: how long will gel coat last

Yes, as long as you do not leave the boat in the water for extended periods of time (a week or better), and do not leave it in the sun for extended periods of time ( a month or better), keep it waxed, gel will last forever. The bad thing about clear gel, is it lacks U.V. protection like colored gels. If you have metalic flake, you have clear gel. It is a must to protect clear to the fullest. Use a silicone wax, or if you are a naturalist, a carnuba wax. If you leave your boat in the water, this will cause ozmotic blisters (water gets under the gels surface, and blisters the gel). This is almost impossable to get rid of, and can cause a big dent in your wallet to get rid of.