Gel coat??

[DPT]

Hi, new O'day 25 owner/novice (well, I am new to it, she's a 1977)... question about "gel coat". I keep reading about it. What is it? How does one maintain it (if necessary)? Along the same lines (no pun intended!) how does anyone suggest I care for my deck/ hull? Are there 'standard' auto wax kinds of products out there? Just trying to keep my 30 year old new 'girlfriend' looking like she's still in her early twenties!!

 

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

my boat is a 1974

So I know what you are feeling. There are products out there that will restore gelcoat with amazing results. I would try that first. If that does not work to your satisfaction, are likely looking at painting, but once you start painting, you will be painting every few years with touch ups in between. Try the gelcoat restorer first. I would stay away from wax on the nonskid deck. Kinda defeats the purpose!

 

[Joe Walworth]

Mr. DPT

Mainesail, one of our members, gave some excellent info on refurbing gel coat. I used some of his advice and it worked well.I suggest doing a search and finding his method - no sense reinventing the wheel.Best of luck with your O'Day. They are great boats!Joe

 

[charlyc]

Try This

I have been using Poliglow since I got my 78 O'Day 25 and It's a wonder product. It brings up the shine even if you sanded down. I swear by it and my boat look great all the time. I have about six coats on the deck and hull that keeps it good for the hole season and It's very easy to apply. Next season wash and give it a touch up coat.

 

[Joe Walworth]

Poly Glow

Does anyone use ploy glow on a boat that was not neglected? Does the stuff ever crack or peel off?Thanks

 

[charlyc]

I Have

three seasons on mine and no cracking so far. I gave it three more coats before it went in the water. I used the Poliglow so I don't have to kill myself with wax since aging of the gel coat made it chalky .

 

[DPT]

below the waterline?

Do those of you that use Polliglow, do you use it on the hull below the waterline (i.e. the bottom?) I only ask 'cus my bottom doesnt appear to have bottom paint on it so I was thinking of going the environmental route and only wax the bottom with "colinite" - hoping that at the end of the season I just just wipe it down and power wash it... (it will be in fresh water all season, not pulling it out).

 

[callnab]

Poli Glow Works

I have a 1972 Mariner that I bought last year and have been trying to fiure out how to get the green hull color to brighten up. After reading the Poli Glow entries I decided to try it. Outstanding! I used the Poli Prep as directed first then applied 5 coats of Poli Glow today and I can't get over the great color and shine. ThePoli Prep directions said it would remove bottom coating if it made contact. They got that right but after a few tries I was able to avoid having it run into my 2 week old bottom paint. I have enough left over to last for about three years worth of touch up to boot.The directions said 1 minute between coats was enought time at today's temperature and it sure was. No hard work, great results and quick service from Poli Glow when I ordered it last week. It was delivered UPS to Massachusetts in 3 days.

 

[Dennis]

Another alternative

Polliglow sounds great, but here is another alternative. I have a 1979 25 ft O'Day. I've had it for 12 years. Every year I polish it with regular auto polishing compound. I use Dupont #7 Polishing compound. Note, not rubbing compound. Polishing compound is a very mild abrasive to clean and take off oxyidation, rubbing compound can be very harsh and too agressive to be used again and again.I use Dupont because it is easy to put on and easy to take off. One can will do the hull, one for the deck (that right I wax the deck too) I use the polishing compound then wax it with regular Rally paste car wax. Again a product I find easy to put on and off. There hasn't been a year gone by where someone hasn't been dazzled that my boat is a 79. Most everyone things it is much newer.The two products that I mentioned can only be found in out-of-the-way locations. Do not look for them in the big discount or auto stores. I traditionally find them in small, local hareware stores.I just polished my boat this weekend and she shines like a new Chevy!!!!!!!