CAN IT LOOK NEW AGAIN

[GROVE STAFFORD]

I PURCHASED A 1986 CAT.THAT LOOKS A LITTLE TIRED.IS THERE A WAY TO RENEW THE "WEATHERED" RESULT OF AGE BY ACID WASH OR COMPOUNDING AND WAXING W/SPECIAL TYPE OF MARINE PRODUCT??THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY.GROVE

 

[Tim Leighton]

YES IT CAN

Grove: I just sold my 1985 Hunter 31 and one of the HUGE selling points was the condition/appearance of the hull. Two years ago at the Annapolis Sailboat Show I purchased a product called "POLIGLOW" after seeing a review in Practical Sailor. While there were several products that tested well with PS, I was most impressed with Poliglow and especially its application process. To make a long story short, I followed their directions (detailed w/ a toll free number for questions) and what I got (after only 2 days of not hard work including hull cleaning) was what looks like a brand new paint job. I'm not kidding nor am I a dealer for the product. For me, with a terribly oxidized hull that just wouldn't take a shine, it was a choice between something like Poliglow (at around $80 for the entire package) or a paint job (at over $3000!). No brainer.  Since then I've stripped and reapplied Poliglow once and it was even easier the second time. My local boatyard hull maintenance lady told me I wasn't allowed to tell anyone about this stuff since she's afraid it will put her out of business (she was kidding of course, but was truly impressed)! I don't have their phone # right handy, but they do have a web site which I believe is POLIGLOW.COM. Take a look and decide for yourself. Smooth Sailing!Tim Leighton (as yet unnamed C-400)

 

[ROBERT H. DAVIDSON]

Weathered Cat

Make sure the hulls of your cat are still tight. To test this have another person grab one hull while you grab the other in the same area. The hulls should move together at the same time. If they don't and you notice play then check you attachment joints (rivets) and pylons for play. As a cat ages they are known for wear in these areas. This will keep you from pointing higher into the wind and slow you down. A few easy steps can bring the performance of your boat back.

 

[Randy]

Making it look new

Weathered fiberglass will oxidize, and become dull. I've used Meguiars products for years, though there are others that do a nice job. Basically, you need to perform a few distinct jobs: 1) wash the boat with soap and water to remove loose dirt and grime. 2)Clean the fiberglass with a product designed to remove oxidation, stains, pollution, etc. 3)Polish the fiberglass with a product designed to add oils and rejuvenate the finish. 4)Then, wax the fiberglass to protect it, and keep it shiny. If your hull is really bad, you may need to perform all the above steps. If it's just dirty, often a wash and wax will make it look new. Check www.meguiars.com, or their catalog for full info. (Whatever you do, don't wax areas of the boat that you walk on--you'll wind up slipping.) Hope this helps.Randy

 

[John Buckham]

Vertglass by Lovett

The Lovett Marine "Vertglas" worked well for me. I put it on back in June and the boat still shines.I got it from West Marine, it's a kit of four items, a boat wash, coumpound, finish restorer and remover.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Island Girl

I've had pretty good luck with Island Girl products on my '81 C-30. They sponsor the Gel Coat and Plastics forum on this website. One plus with Island Girl is that you can talk directly to the owner and developer for advice on what to use and how to use it.