Oxidation?

JCSkeeter313 · Apr 14, 2004

i have a 89 skeeter fs 175 df and it has some pretty bad oxidation on it. i am wondering what the best way to get rid of it is or if i sould even try to. i looked at meguires and they have a oxidation kit and a wax type compound. i wondering what the easiest way to do it would be and also i dont want to burn through the gel coat or something like that. thanks for the advice.

crazy charlie · Apr 14, 2004

Re: Oxidation?

there really is no easy way to attempt it.Get a circular variable speed polisher and follow the steps that Mc Guires states.Dont worry about burning through the gelcoat as long as you keep the wheel moving all the time and dont go directly over the edges.Dont do this when it is sunny out or the compounds will dry too fast.Hopefully this will do it for you or you may have to be more agressive and begin by wet sanding.Sometimes you can do the entire process and it looks great and lasts a long time and sometimes it lasts a week or two.If it looks good you can get some 303 protectant to top coat it and this will surely help it last.Charlie

LubeDude · Apr 14, 2004

Re: Oxidation?

Hey fellow Bass fisherman. I like those skeeters like you have, and was looking for one when I bought my Tracker SF 1800. Ive had a skeeter in the past and liked the performance and looks. Back to the oxidation question. If the clear dosnt feel rough when you run your hand over it, you have hope. I have had excelent results with lightly wet sanding the dull area with 2000 grit and using Mothers metal polishing compound with a machine polisher and heavy wool pad. The Gell coat is really hard, and the mothers will cut it faster than you can imagine and it will look great. When done, final polish with 3M finessit compound with a foam pad. Then a good coat of paste wax, (Carnuba). If it is very rough to the touch, like you can actually feel the flake popping up, you have no choice but to have the boat re-clear coated. I have some fading on my boat on the red stripe, and have used about four coats of acrylic floor polish over it and it looks great. However you have to redo it ever season to keep it shineing. You can use this on the top of your boat also, you wont beleive how good it looks compared to the way it looks now, but like I said, you will have to keep doing it. Apply with a foam brush, youve seen them at the hardware store. Honestly, it does work.

1986mariner150 · Apr 14, 2004

Re: Oxidation?

I have read many posts here on this subjet and I went out and wasted some money on penetrol and maybe I will try the mop a glow but what works best for me is a rubbing compound called "Number 7". I get it at my local Ace hardware and it works at least twice as well as any other compound I have tried 3m included. It comes in a metal tub type container. I have a high speed buffer but I don't use it as it likes to grab up wires and slings compound. To do the top sides twice by hand usually takes me about 3 or 4 hours. Then I finnish up with the 3m finesse polish and rub it in until it drys then just wipe it down with a slightly dampened paper towel to get any residue off. You can wax if you want, I cover mine up and only let the sun hit it when I am in it. I have heard that the rough feeling gel can't be saved but I have rubbed it down anyway and it turned out very well.

Hooty · Apr 14, 2004

Re: Oxidation?

Try a solid bar compound. It's dry so it's not messy, comes in two different grades, (course & fine) does a great job and not as expensive as paste and liquid compounds. Minicraft Buffing Bars. c/6 Hooty

BMDODGE · Apr 15, 2004

Re: Oxidation?

HOOTY - did you try JONNYBIGRIGGER'S polishing bar trick - or maybe he learned it from you ???? I haven't tried it yet , but it looks like it's alot cheaper & LESS LABOR = i.e. wetsand till your arms fall-off

- bruce

LubeDude · Apr 15, 2004

Re: Oxidation?

Yes the polishing bars work well too, I actually fogot about them, They come in different colors, I think the stainless steel one works the best. Forget the color.

Salty Sal · Apr 15, 2004

Re: Oxidation?

For REAL heavy oxidation- wet sand / with your choice of coatings. Acrylic Polymer will last the longest because it seals the gelcoat and prevents the photochemical breakdown (oxigdation) from the sun and salt water. Example: Vertglass. Used Penetrol on the top of the hull with very good results. Regardless- you have to remove ALL the oxidation.