Oxidized hull

[judsonj]

When I run my finger along the hull of my boat I get a white chalky dusting on my finger. Sounds like oxidization from what I am reading. I have tried to read up on what can be done but I must admit the mind boggles upon reading some of these posts about 3M pad number 02334, Mequires #9 and #7, poliglow vs IG etc etc. I think my question supersedes all or some of that.

If I don't need the fastest boat on the water, or the prettiest boat on the water, just a leisurely beer cruising kind of boat, do i really care about oxidization? Is it harmful to the boat? If yes, I will want to take care of it, but before I invest time reading the innumerable posts on polish/wax/compound/poliglow debates, i thought I would cover this essential question.

Thank you all so much.

 

[willsnow]

"Leisurely beer cruising"?!?! My Mac and I are moving to Kirkland WA tomorrow (or Friday at the latest) and we love leisure, beer and cruising! Send me a private message with your contact info if you'd like to meet up and sail.
I do not believe the oxidizing harms the boat, but it does breakdown the gelcoat. I just ordered a good buffer so I can put a shine back on her this spring.
Maybe someone else knows differently

 

[chp]

I like shinny toys. Mine was also very oxidized. I followed Mainsails tips and wetsanded the whole boat, compounded, polished and waxed the first year I had my boat. The gelcoat came up almost like a new boat. Now I just polish and wax, takes about 4 hrs , at the first of the year and that's about it. The gelcoat is just like a thick paint. If not taken care of it starts to dry out and crack and chip easier. I would at least use a machine and compound it and wax well. I get a lot of compliments on my boat and most can't believe its 25 yrs old. I even get asked if its for sale. You get out of your boat what you put in.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

I found a trade-off that is not bad.

I didn't have time for the entire "Main Sail" process.

I used the 3M (no silicone) all in one for lightly oxzidized hulls. It didn't leave a good finish all by itself but when followed up by two coats of 3M boat wax, the result is acceptable. Not great, but better than many of the other boats.

Next year I plan to use the 3M "finess it" polish and then wax.

Oh - about that chalky residue when you touch the boat? Most of that will come off when you wash the hull with a boat scrub type product. After that you may find that the hull is actually not that oxidized. That's what I found this year.

Chris

 

[judsonj]

Thanks all! So yeah I don't want to compromise my gelcoat. But basically I have no need to go beyond that. Sounds like I definitely need to clean the oxidization off first, but then what is necessary to protect the hull for a season? Keep in mind I really don't need it to shine, just stave off the oxidization/gelcoat break down.

 

[woodzy]

Thanks all! So yeah I don't want to compromise my gelcoat. But basically I have no need to go beyond that. Sounds like I definitely need to clean the oxidization off first, but then what is necessary to protect the hull for a season? Keep in mind I really don't need it to shine, just stave off the oxidization/gelcoat break down.

My 82 Mac 25 was so oxidized if you touched it you had it all over ya.I didn't have time so I took it to Hardin marine by my house they color sanded and buffed and came out really nice