What model is my Starcraft & how do I get the red to be red again?

T

thefifthwit

Recruit
Joined
Sep 2, 2011
Messages
2
I can't figure out what model the boat is, there isn't much in the way of identifying serial numbers or anything.

Also, the red of the hull has a cloudy film on it. I've tried using some rubbing compound - that didn't work. I tried polishing it - that didn't work. What can I do to the fiberglass to make it shiny again?

Here's a pic.

http://i.imgur.com/ANd2v.jpg

Thanks for your help!
 
BonairII

BonairII

Commander
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
2,727
Re: What model is my Starcraft & how do I get the red to be red again?

You're going to need to polish with an orbital or a rotary sander to get rid of the oxidation.

Only use a rotary if you are very familiar with them as they generate heat while they polish and can ruin your finish.

Doubtful you can make much progress trying to polish by hand.
 
G

Georgesalmon

Lieutenant Commander
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Apr 14, 2012
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1,793
Re: What model is my Starcraft & how do I get the red to be red again?

You might even have to do some wet sanding and then polish.
 
barato2

barato2

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Dec 7, 2010
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2,956
Re: What model is my Starcraft & how do I get the red to be red again?

to figure out the model. take measurements of overall length, transom height and width, and beam at widest point. post those and we can give you at least a rough guess on model, close enough to determine your motor/people/load capacity
 
C

Captmills

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 22, 2009
Messages
374
Re: What model is my Starcraft & how do I get the red to be red again?

paint could be dead depending on age of boat, be very careful with an orbital. variable speed is good,run on medium speed to keep heat down like bonair said.
 
jbcurt00

jbcurt00

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Oct 25, 2011
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25,236
Re: What model is my Starcraft & how do I get the red to be red again?

Red is certainly a difficult color to maintain, but it sure looks good when it's in great shape. If you are positive that it's red gelcoat & not red paint, you may be able to hit it with the same process of sanding that CC254 did on his Chris Craft Sea Hawk's white hull. From ugly ablative paint to almost perfect, like new, never seen water, trailer or dock rash hull. You may have to hunt thru his thread, but he started pretty high grit and worked towards 1500 or 2000. He posted a link for the place he buys the sandpaper, that brand/type seemed to hold up great, last a long time & did not become loaded w/ sanding debris as much as other brands/types. He may have also started a thread specifically for the process, he did w/ the LED lights he install, which were also exceptionally well done.

The red may or may not respond as well. And you may want to try & remove as much of the cap fittings, brackets & etc before starting the process, it would make it easier when you make all those passes. Then seal all of the screw holes & screw threads w/ 3M 5200 when you put everything back on.
 
barato2

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: What model is my Starcraft & how do I get the red to be red again?

all good advice. and that way, it's all ready for painting if you ultimately decide the old topside color ain't coming back from wherever it went
 
barato2

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: What model is my Starcraft & how do I get the red to be red again?

maybe do something really stupid and embarrassing at the launch ramp and see if it turns all red.....??? :redface:
 
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