Complete boat noob searching for basics.

[hotkey]

Just bought 1st (used) bass boat. 1993 Javelin fiberglass with Yamaha 40 HP 2 cycle. Its rough. Not well taken care of but I think it has hope!

To start, I guess I'd like to know what products to use for general cleanup? Restoring any surface shine to fiberglass hull, etc.? Modest rust removal from trailer? And anything else you care to advise.

Thanks for helping a starter!

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Complete boat noob searching for basics.

There are a lot of waxes and polishes out there to help get the shine back. It depends on how oxidized your hull is. A lot of guys were using vaseline to get the oxidation off and then doing a wax/polish. Do a search on this and you will see many post about the topic.

Get rust off a trailer, not sure if that is possible? A good cleaning with some wax will help protect the parts that are not rusted.

 

[zach103]

Re: Complete boat noob searching for basics.

you can powerwash it to clean most of it off.. than theres vinyl cleaners tons of different boat soaps

for the trailer you can search around for some sandblasters in your area.. most will do a sandblast and primer for about $200 but take a look around

 

[Pirate_40]

Re: Complete boat noob searching for basics.

The Mary Kate line has served me well. Their Cleaning Detail, Metal mate, Hull on & off, and degreaser work very well. For pre wax and wax, I prefer the Colinite line.

You asked about restoring a shine. Is your fiberglass white or do you have a color? There are some very good 3M products that work well (when combined with wet sanding) for color restoration.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Complete boat noob searching for basics.

Welcome to iboats.

First things first, have you inspected the hull really well to be sure it in good shape, particularly the transom, you hsould be able to stand on the engine and have the transon not mave at all or very very little, even 1/4'' indicates it is on its way out.

There are no soft spots anyhere on the deck?

Not trying to pee on your parade just want to make sure the boat is sound and won't leave you stranded.

 

[geeco1]

Re: Complete boat noob searching for basics.

I don't know a thing about the fiberglass, but for the trailer, depending on how much rust you are talking about, I would put a wire wheel in a drill and go to work. The wire wheel will take off the rust and get you to bare metal. Then prime and paint with several coats of Rustoleum or equivl. Be sure to wear safety glasses as the wire wheel will tend to throw debris and wire fragments.

 

[hotkey]

Re: Complete boat noob searching for basics.

You asked about restoring a shine. Is your fiberglass white or do you have a color? There are some very good 3M products that work well (when combined with wet sanding) for color restoration.

White hull with blue swoosh trim.

 

[hotkey]

Re: Complete boat noob searching for basics.

Welcome to iboats.

First things first, have you inspected the hull really well to be sure it in good shape, particularly the transom, you hsould be able to stand on the engine and have the transon not mave at all or very very little, even 1/4'' indicates it is on its way out.

There are no soft spots anyhere on the deck?

Not trying to pee on your parade just want to make sure the boat is sound and won't leave you stranded.

Thanks! Stood on engine - noting moved so that seems good. I have found a soft spot (under carpet) on the floor while crawling around on my knees. Not too sure what I should do about that next.

 

[Chris-R]

Re: Complete boat noob searching for basics.

Also, regarding the trailer, you can use different types of lubes but since it ends up underwater, I find myself using Fluid Film. Fluid Film is used by the U.S. Navy. Actually, since I started using Fluid Film, I haven't bought any WD-40. Fluid Film is the BOMB and it won't harm water creatures like petroleum based lubricants do. Here's a link.

http://www.fluid-film.com/