Fiberglass Hull Restoration

[andersailing]

Hi Everyone,

I have two questions for you all.

1) I am planning to try to clean up the stained, yellowed, slightly oxidized fiberglass of my Oday Daysailer this spring. Everyone I talk to has different advice, but most of the wisdom I receive is not tried and true. Anyone done the same, and if so, did you wash it, scrub it, sand it, wax it, acid cleanse, etc? I'm also open to painting if I have to.

2) My Daysailer weighs about 600 lbs. How in the world do I flip that thing over to work on the hull without ending up with 10 pieces of fiberglass when I'm done? I have access to a skidsteer and also a tractor with a hydraulic bucket, but I'm not entirely sure how to do the "flip" part.

Any firsthand advice would be wonderful. I have a dozen ideas of my own but I would like to hear from you if you've actually done either of these two tasks. Thanks!

 

[31seahorse]

Hello andersailing,

The turning of the hull shouldn't be too difficult if you can enlist some helpers. (You could try offering lunch and/or beer, but save that until after the job is completed!) If you slide the hull off its trailer you can begin the turning process with the help of the hull shape and perhaps a location that favors turning downhill toward either port or starboard. With two lifting and two waiting to ease the hull to the ground when it is upside down you should be able to manage it. You won't be really lifting or carrying the entire 600 pounds, but care is required. I've done the turning with a wooden powerboat hull, but my pictures are not available on the computer.

You might be able to use the loader bucket with some ropes to lift the hull or help ease the hull to the ground. Much depends on the skill of the operator.

Also, I did see some hull turning operations on You-Tube. Those showed larger hulls and used ropes and pulleys.

RE: the stains - Try FSR (fiberglass stain remover) It is a gel and easy to apply. The other product, On And Off, is much more aggressive and needs to be rinsed even more thoroughly than FSR.

Best Wishes, Phil

 

[MrUnix]

Don't have any suggestions for flipping the hull if that is what you really want to do.. I have enough trouble just getting them off the trailer As for cleaning/polishing, all you will ever need to know can be found here:

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=117266

Cheers,
Brad

 

[bria46]

Try Bleach White. Available at most automotive stores and even ACE hardware stores. I use it full streinght out of the spray bottle on all of my fiberglass deck, hull and even teak. Originally developed for white wall tires.

 

[txjim]

I had no problem flipping my Daysailor. Problem was I was sailing at the time.

Bottom did look good, however....

 

[Cayennita]

If all the hull needs is cleaning and polishing then don't complicate the job. Back in 1996 I wet sanded my Hunter 35 with 1600 weight wet/dry sandpaper and followed that with machined wax job. It looked like new. You can also use NanoTec Rubbing compound with aggressive nano particles. It will remove heavy oxidation and restore color.
To flip the boat, get some friends and just do it. Or single point lift with the fork lift if it goes up high enough. It helps if there is a tow eye in the bow. Or two lines from the fork lift around the bottom and tied to the opposite side. As you lift the boat will rotate. Once it is on it's side then just 3 small people can lowered the boat.