gel coat refinishing

[skal2373]

I am about to begin the restoration process on my new 27 foot 1980 Hunter. Can any Hunter owner tell me what is the best way for bringing the high gloss back to my 29 year old Hunter? Also how do you get rid of mold stains on the deck of my old timmer? Thanks !

 

[Manny]

Congrats on your new to you boat!
Search the archives for MaineSail's boat detailing procedures. You could probably get the boat looking better than new. As far as the mold stains try a little bleach diluted with water or some soft scrub.
The 27 is a great boat. Enjoy!

Manny

 

[Ed Schenck]

About five years ago I had a professional restore the topsides(hull sides) of my '79. It was a big job and I paid a big price. With washing and waxing it has held up quite well. But he told me that would be the last time. The gelcoat is so thin after all those years that the next and only option is paint. Hopefully you have one or two good polishings left. Manny gives good advice above.

 

[Pops]

Softly is a good way to start. Clean your decks with a good boat soap and a medium boat bush or sponge with a long handle. Rinse everything well and go down below and see where the leaks are. Shut the port that you left open, and go back on deck. Now, get out the sponge (no scratch) and apply some elbow grease to the spots that are still dirty. If you were down below long enough for the decks to dry, wet them. If the water running off as you rinse is whitish, more elbow grease and soap is required. This whitish stuff is oxidized gel coat. Don't use toilet bowl cleaners, carburetor cleaner or penatrol. Go below again and get another sponge (code name; beer). Go on deck and inspect your work. Get the hose going and rinse everything well. If the rinse water looks whiteish, rinse some more. O.K, this is the secret, SCRUB IT AGAIN.

 

[Benny]

Sand paper. Use 2000 grid wet sander and remove all the oxidized built up. Wash and wax and you'll be all set.