How do I restore my deck/topside

[Jerry75]

The topside and deck is starting to show its age. The fiberglass is starting to leave a chalky white on your hands when you touch it. I am starting to develop hairline cracks in multiple areas. What do you guys recommend I do to restore or prevent this from continuing to happen? I have a 1991 Macgregor. I appreciate any help or advice you can give.

Thanks
Jerry

 

[rortega46]

Have you tried wet sand w/ 1000 then 2000 grit sandpaper, then compound and wax, wax, wax? I did this to my 1991 and now wax a couple times a year. Some cracks are visible here and there but nothing structural and the shine is nice.

 

[Jerry75]

I will try, I just wasn't sure if it was to far gone for wax. There is some patching I am going have to do where it has exposed the fiberglass.

 

[finding41]

You will be surprised how it will look after compounding and waxing. The other alternative is paint. BUT you still have to sand and prepare properly. Follow the directions on the can.

 

[Jerry75]

If I don't have to paint I will be happy

 

[caguy]

I don't want to hijack your thread so I will start my own. The decision to post it however is on your behalf, but I want to share this epiphany with the rest of the forum. After posting I will come back a post a link.
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=925335#post925335

 

[Cooperstownsailor]

You can also use a RV, Marine polish/cleaner to buff off the white chalk. Another possibility is to wash the topsides with a non-abrasive cleaner like BarKeepers Friend. I use a power buffer wax applicator pad followed by the buffing bonnet. I also always follow up with a good boat wax and it keeps my 83 MacGregor looking new. I also goes on easiliy over the cleaned surface.

 

[HEINZIR]

Here is Maine Sail's proven method

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/52772-tips-compound-polish-wax.html

 

[patrickfarley]

Why not just sand and re-gelcoat the topside? The repairs I have done look great and hold up well. I cannot make the old gelcoat look exactly like the new. I started thinking that Maybe gelcoating the topside would be a nice fix. I don't know much about it and am curious what people think.

 

[timebandit]

I use pads I get from Home Depot, they are in the sand paper section.

They replace steel wool and I use the ones for metal polishing.

I use dish soap mixed with water and just wash the deck, use two or three pads to make one thick pad.