Deck pitting/chipping

[D Hardman]

Good day all,

I have utilized the discussion forum in the past and have had good success so I thought I would put this out there to all of you.

Two part question as follows:

I am hoping that someone has a suggestion concerning the repairs or maintenance of the deck on my 1987 Catalina MKII. As you may be aware the deck is a two tone, white (smooth) and cream (anti-slip or grip surface). I am experiencing pitting on the grip surface (cream) which exposes the underside that is black in colour (looks terrible). I am located in a cilmate where we have snow and frost during the winter months so it could become problematic.

Question 1: Is there a product I can purchase to repair these marks that will blend in reasonably well?

Question 2: In the cockpit on the white fibreglass (seats/cockpit locker) and deck it has that small diamond textured pattern and is difficult to clean. I've used the standard "Starbrite" "3M" and others but have been disappointed with the results after investing so much time. Some chipping as well.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Derek

 

[DanM]

Derek,

I wish I had a simple answer for you. My boat is an older MkI and I spend a ton of time painting all the non-skid areas with Interlux Perfection because the black color you've described was really starting to look bad. It turned out great, but was a massive project!

For cleaning though, I've tried a bunch of products, but recently started adding maybe a quarter cup of Soft Scrub with Bleach to my bucket of soapy water when I wash the boat and find that it really brightens up the white really well. I saw most of full time boat cleaners around here using it so I thought I would give it a try. I was concerned it would strip the wax off of my boat but it appears that it does not do that.

Good luck!
DanM.

 

[jrowan]

I agree with Dan. Except that I use straight Soft Scrub onto the surface of a green scrubby sponge. The combination of the bleach & scrubbing really works. If that doesn't get your gel coat stains out, nothing will. You can also pour some Soft Scrub directly onto the stain (such as rust) & it can be left to work into it for a while. I have not tried CLR type cleanser on rust or chemical deposits, & wonder how well it works. Its made for fibergalss tubs so I reckon it would work as well. I do use the S.S. sparingly & I try to dilute it with as much hosed down water as possible when rinsing. Its not the greatest thing for the environment / waters around you.

As far as covering small chips in gel coat, I use this small tube of gel coat repair that is sold at West Marine in the fiberglass isle. The tube is REALLY SMALL, about the size of your thumb, so its easy to overlook. But I find for the $12 bucks it costs the results are pretty good. Its basically a thick paint / gelcoat filler that conceals lil dings & scratches. I use it in the cockpit. It comes in different colors, based on your "vintage" of boat. My P.O. painted the decks, but for some reason didn't paint the friggin cockpit which takes the most wear & tear. A project on the list.....

 

[Lost Parent]

Try kiwi grip . Just doing mine right know and it is an awesome product

 

[D Hardman]

Thanks for the input..much appreciated.