Best way to clean up hull

[tpcolson]

Just got a 16 footer...yup...for 50$> It runs and floats! Fiber glass, though is a bit dull. What is the best way to clean that up/polish it?

 

[amtsst]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

I'm still a fairly new boater but here's what I did for my old girl.<br /><br />1. Medium grit marine buffing compound to remove oxidation. I went over my boat twice with this stuff. Really buffed the faded gelcoat good. I think you could use an orbital buffer (like you'd get to wax your car) but I'm too cheap to buy one.<br /><br />2. Two coats of Marine wax with Teflon after buffing to shine it up and protect the gelcoat.<br /><br />good luck.

 

[bmurray]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

Backwater's suggestion will work. But you may try the 3M restorer/sealer first. You can get it from Bass Pro. Worked great on my old 85 Charger.

 

[Raghauler]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

For fiberglass with a worn gelcoat, you can also try Penetrol. It is a product you can buy at hardware stores and home centers that was originally marketed as a thinner for oil based paints. Wipe it on with a rag and buff it a few minutes later before it dries. It fills in the microscopic scratches in the gelcoat to make it shine again... very easy to apply. I put it on once a year after buffing out any oxidation that develops.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

Raghauler has the best solution.....Penetrol. It comes in two varieties, regular (found at Home Depot, etc.) and Marine Penetrol. The differnece is predominantly in the percentage of petroleum distillate...go with the Marine Penetrol, it's $9.00 per quart (BoatUS), no need to pay more, and the quart will do the colored portions of the average 18-20 ft boat. I could not believe what this product did for my Dark Red faded 1989 boat. You'll be amazed. I didn't even prep, I was in such a hurry to try it out, only took 45 minutes. Good luck.

 

[dhammann]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

Cheap,down and dirty trick for old and cheap fadeded boats. Try "Extreme" professional detailers protectant from Turtle Wax ( I found some at Big Lots for a buck) Just spray on and wipe, don't wipe it off, just smear it around. It will look like @#*! but after 30 minutes it will knock your socks off. Great for red finishes. Will bring back decals too. Will last all season, but don't wipe or buff. I used to do it the hard way, sanding.buffing and waxing only to have to do it again in a year. And each time you buff you just make the finish thinner and more sucessible to UV fading.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

Penetrol is sort of a wonder product. I have used it for years to attack the rust on trailers. Clean as much of the crud off as you can and saturate with Penetrol. It soaks down into the metal and forms a hard coating. Let it dry for a couple of days and give a top coat of Rustoleum. Used the stuff this way for 30 years.

 

[mom]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

Great thread. I've been dying to find something to bring my severely faded red gelcoat back to life. I'll get some Penetrol and the Turtle Wax product (if I can find it) this weekend. <br /><br />One note... from BoatUS, marine Penetrol is $12.99/quart, and shipping brings it to over $20. I think I'll do the Home Depot variety.

 

[mom]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

Boatersworld.com has Penetrol quarts for $8.99, but shipping is $6.95.<br /><br />Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning off a thin layer of marine growth from the hull? It has been baked on for a couple years. Preferably something I can spray on and hose off, since it's not real accessible for scrubbing.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[bigbluebirdy]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

West Marine carries a product called Slimy Grimy that you dilute with water and can spray on with a pump sprayer and then rinse off. I use it every fall to take the waterline growth off. Works like a charm.<br /><br />bbb

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

Bluebirdlady! I am shocked! You clean off your hull! Doesn't that make it tough for the zebra mussels to breed!<br /><br />Yeah I use 3M restorer and wax and it works great. Simple Green does a fine job for cleaning the bottom off.<br /><br />Bob (Had a great day on Champlain yesterday)

 

[sfels]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

Another product that works great is Nu Finish. It's available in most auto parts stores and Wal Mart type stores. They used to advertise it on TV showing an old faded heap in a junkyard and rubbing it on to restore the shine. It's fairly inexpensive and goes a long way. I use it on my cars too.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

MOM & others: If you're going to use Penetrol, get the Marine Penetrol...trust me, the regular won't quite do the job sitting in water for an entire season. Marine Penetrol at BoatUS store $8.99, regular Penetrol at Lowe's Home Center $8.38. Even if you have to pay $13-14, get the Marine Penetrol.

 

[mom]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

I tried Marine Penetrol (around $13 at West Marine store). It didn't do anything for my faded red gelcoat. ???? It's definately sun damage, if that matters. I guess I'll have to try some strong rubbing compound and elbow grease, or live with the faded look.<br /><br />I definately need to try to some Slimy Grimy for the underside. Thanks!

 

[dhammann]

Re: Best way to clean up hull

Mom, try Turtle wax Extreme protectent. it made my faded red finish look new and has lasted all summer. Next spring I will give another 15 minute fix and shine at the ramp.