Polishing the hull of a 1980 sailboat advice

dlochner · Apr 13, 2023

First determine if the boat is painted. If it is painted it will be essential to know what kind of paint was used because you will want to use a product and technique that works with the paint.

If the boat is gel coated, then read this post on achieving a almost new shine.

Tips For A Great Buff & Wax

Buff Polish & Wax Try these products (for Gel-Coat only not intended for Awlgrip) The Cliff Note Version: Steps: #1-Clean the hull with an acid base cleaner like FSR, oxalic acid or On & Off to remove rust & tannin staining. (only if necessary) #2-Wet Sand by hand 600 (if real bad)...

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Hollyberry · Apr 13, 2023

Odds are it's old gelcoat, esp if it's white..

If you want a low effort seasonal result look into "PoliGlow". They also make a pre treatment cleaner. It's a wipe on polish that requires no buffing and does indeed result in a nice, restored shine. Doesn't last forever and surely not as good as a proper wax & buff routine but it's easy to use and to reapply when necessary. It might even be effective on faded paint. If you ever intend to paint, it, like any wax, would need to be completely removed.

Don't use it on cabintops or decks, as it seems to pick up body oils and sunscreens, and gets soiled-looking.

Davidasailor26 · Apr 13, 2023

It almost certainly came from the factory as gelcoat. I’ll add another testimonial for Maine Sail’s method that Dave linked. It’s some work, but the results are very good. Poli-glow is very controversial. Some like the look. Some say once it starts to weather it looks quite bad and is hard to remove.

Hollyberry · Apr 13, 2023

Davidasailor26 said:
...... Poli-glow is very controversial. Some like the look. Some say once it starts to weather it looks quite bad and is hard to remove.

It is controversial, I suppose. We used it on our last boat for 14 years, applied/reapplied every other year. It does look scabby if you leave it too long. But there is instant gratification! and for an tired old boat with tired old gelcoat it kinda works.

Hayden Watson · Apr 13, 2023

Last year I started using Total Boat, Total Buff. Like it much better than the 3m products I had used before.

BigEasy · Apr 13, 2023

xavpil said:
Hello friends.
Cat 27, 1980, new owner.
Looking for advices on the type of compound, wax etc.
Thx all!!

I am another advocate of the Mainsail approach to compounding, polishing, & waxing. Have used his technique several times with great results. Make sure that you have a heavy duty orbital polisher that accommodates wool compounding & polishing pads. On a 40+ year Hull, you’ll likely need 3M heavy duty rubbing compound, 3M Finesst polishing compound, , Meguiars #9 swirl remover, & Collinite paste wax. Mainsail highly recommends Presta products. Lots of work; however, results are worth it.

NYSail · Apr 14, 2023

xavpil said:
Hello friends.
Cat 27, 1980, new owner.
Not sure how old the paint is, hence how thick. It looks "nice" but not shinny at all.
Looking for advices on the type of compound, wax etc.
I was told "low grid compound" in case the paint is thin....

Thx all!!

post a few pictures…..

Joe · Apr 14, 2023

I've always used standard products on my 1977 Cat 27. First time in 2000, I used the 3M product. Pretty expensive, but effective. In 2010 I tried the Star-Brite product. Again, it did the job and I found it easier to apply. I haul out every 3-4 years, and if it looks like it needs it, I'll do a quick Star-Brite application with my trusty Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight

} 10 amp variable speed 7 in. sander polisher. (best $50 I ever spent there) If you check this link, both the polishing products are mentioned, and some others which I will try next time (Babe's looks good).... by the way, their highest rating went to Meguire's.... If your boats on a trailer you're home free.... I tried doing mine in the water and it scared the :poop:

out of me. Sitting or laying on the dock, or in the dingy, with a corded power tool is not my idea of a nice day. Good luck. Don't worry, you'll be pleasantly satisfied with how much better your boat will look. That, clean canvas, and new sails, maybe polish up the winches and refresh the sheets and halyards.... it's a brand new boat!

https://www.jdpower.com/boats/shopping-guides/best-boat-wax

Project_Mayhem · Apr 14, 2023

Take a pic. There's a good chance we could tell if it was painted with a close up pic. Harbor Freight also has a polisher that automatically controls the speed that it's set to for $100. Don't wax your deck as it will become very slippery. If you have canvas, take it to the cleaners. Mine look new when I get them back every year. Expect to pay $50-100 to have a full set cleaned.