what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

[lime4x4]

Started to try and get this 23 year old boat to shine but it's not working out to well..I've enclosed some pics before and after. So far i've wet sanded with 1200 then buffed with 3m marine fiberglass restoration. So far all i've been able to do is make it less noticable.So what are my options here

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

I think that is a prime candidate for repainting.
You can try sanding it and then buffing it out, but that is a shot in the dark I think.

 

[bigredinohio]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

Try a lower grit wetsand then work your way up to 1200 and polish.

 

[lime4x4]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

The white part is buffing out rather well it's just the blue that is really bad.I'm almost tempted to hit it it with a da with 220 grit then wet sand. If i have to repaint the blue what are my options?

 

[mongo53]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

i wet sanded with 400, 800, then buffed with polish & vasolined... looked 100% better.

completed pic to big to upload..

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

I would do a full blown resto on it. All new wood, new paint, EVERYTHING!

Seriously if yur hard up on cash, painting it is not cheap as myself and lost cause have found out. Not to mention its a god awful amount of work. So I would try what these guys are recommending. Wet sand and polish.

 

[lime4x4]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

Money isn't really an issue. I just want it done right and so that it looks good longer then a day

 

[justchange]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

You may want to try a more abrasive buffing compound. 3-M makes many different compounds that are available at most auto supply stores.


I use a medium grit on most things with a bottle of the course as a just-in-case.

 

[VeroWing]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

I have a 1984 Grady that also has dull, chalky gelcoat that I can't get a shine out of. I was watching a boating show on TV when they tried a poly product on an old faded boat finish, and it looked like new. I copied the sites' webpage, and intend on trying their product before doing an expensive painting or new gelcoating job.

Check link below to see their product. Down the page on the left is a video of a sample boat they did. Looks good, but who knows?

Let me make this clear, I have not at this time used this product, nor do I have anything to do with this company. I just think it may turn out to be a good alternative for people like me that have an older boat with faded gelcoat. Mike

https://secure2.securewebexchange.com/poliglow-int.com/order.phtml

 

[Miranda]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

My husband and I used Poli glow system on our 23' sleekcraft, and it worked like a charm. It's extremly easy to apply, and very inexpensive.
To see result check out - page 2 about 3 quarters of the ways down the page.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=353053&highlight=sleekcraft

We have before and after pics, with some video of the results.
As far as life span, poli glow lasts for a year full shine, and after a year it will only be half shine. still beats oxidized hull.
Miranda

 

[justchange]

Re: what are my options with really bad oxidation and gel coat peeling?

I have a 1984 Grady that also has dull, chalky gelcoat that I can't get a shine out of. I was watching a boating show on TV when they tried a poly product on an old faded boat finish, and it looked like new. I copied the sites' webpage, and intend on trying their product before doing an expensive painting or new gelcoating job.

Check link below to see their product. Down the page on the left is a video of a sample boat they did. Looks good, but who knows?

Let me make this clear, I have not at this time used this product, nor do I have anything to do with this company. I just think it may turn out to be a good alternative for people like me that have an older boat with faded gelcoat. Mike

https://secure2.securewebexchange.com/poliglow-int.com/order.phtml

That's an interesting site. I'm especially interested in the aluminum protectant. Far too much work to keep polishing aluminium tanks and rims on the Pete.