Fading Gelcoat
 

My boat is fading. Any ideas on products that I might can use to make the finish look better until I am able dollar wise to have it re-coated? I just bought it today. It looks fairly good but wanting it to shine. Help me PLEASE!!!

Re: Fading Gelcoat
 

Many of our members have used Meguiars Fiberglass Restoration kit with very positive results. I use it every year, and it works great. :wink_thumbup:

There's also something called Poly-Glow that appears to work, although I've never met someone who's actually used it on their Mariah before.

Re: Fading Gelcoat
 

Look at eBay for a product called aqua buff 1000 or 2000 (finer grit) ..... Good stuff. Then search for a product called wenol (polish made in Germany) look for their pink (discontinued) polish. It wasn't a big seller, but is one of the finest polish you'll ever find. This stuff works on everything (metal, fiberglass, plastic, etc)

Re: Fading Gelcoat
 

Looks like they call it glanol polish now, made by wenol

Re: Fading Gelcoat
 

Depending on the water the boat was in, you may have to first remove the lime coating. I use Lime Away with a little water to first remove the calcium/lime deposits and then apply a good automotive type wax and a little elbow grease. Without first removing any deposits first the wax can not treat the paint.

If you have light oxidation, try a wax listed as a cleaner wax which when used will leave a little bit of the color on your applicator.

I am the original owner of a 1995 Shabah 212Z which I have waxed 2 to three times a year from top to bottom. The gelcoat to this day is as close to new as the day I bought the boat.:)

Gelcoat and paint do not have the protective properties of an automotive base/clear coat and must be waxed frequently.

I hate to say that once the original shine is fading, conventional waxing can only bring back a little shine.

Good Luck with your Mariah:wink_thumbup:

Re: Fading Gelcoat
 

Thanks, I have used a 3M rubbing compound and and polish. It has worked very well. THe boat has come a long way since I bought it. I had a oil leak that showed up right after I bought and found that the shift seal was bad. We had to take the lower unit off and replace it along with the gimble bearing and replace all the boots, new water pump and seal that are on the lower unit. Luckily I have a buddy that likes to work on boats and he is considered "The Best" around on inboard engines. He has a 20 foot 1988 VIP that looks like it was rolled of the show room floor. We took a 300 mile trip in it last year and did not have a bit of trouble with it. So I feel like I was lucky on that end of the deal. BEWARE of Craigs list boats. The seller does not always let you know the whole story on their boats. I am looking for a top for my boat. if anyone knows where I might be able to find one I would greatly appreciate the information. I am looking forward to using our boat this summer and we do use it on fresh water. HAPPY BOATING!!!!