[WillinWA]

Bought a 1996 Mariah Talari 210. Boat is in good shape overall, but just needs a little love. First time boat owner and want to take the winter to put some work into her.

The finish has some scratches and is quite chalky in a lot of areas. Posting this to request input on what would be the best way to tackle this.

I talked to one of the local dealers here. He said that they dont do it, but outsource it. His guy would sand it first with 1500 grit and then use a rubbing compound with a buffer, then wax it. The Talari decals are still in good shape and I would rather not sand those off.

Thoughts and advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
-Will

[ColoradoDiablo]

Welcome to MOC!

If you'll do a search , you'll find more info and comments on this subject than you have the time to read this weekend!
Lots and lots of info on products and results.

[asclarch]

3m Marine Rubbing Compound or Severe Duty Rubbing Compound and a decent buffer. Rub it out 4-5 times and wax it good. My boat was the same way. It took a about 10 hours but was well worth it.

[gahooligan]

I have found that 2000 grit sandpaper wet sanding works extremely well and requires very little buffing and very little sanding for that matter just make sure you wet sand it not dry sand it. I have done parts of my boat and plan on doing the whole thing as a winter project it makes a pretty decent mess... I also agree that the 3m products are awesome!

[WillinWA]

Thanks much guys.

Regarding the 3M products, any advice on quantity to purchase? start with a gallon?

Cheers,
-Will

[gahooligan]

I would say a quart bottle

[asclarch]

I used 2 quarts.

[ShabahZ280]

Meguiars Fiberglass Restoration Kit. Give it a try, you may be surprised what $50 and a little elbow grease will get you. If you want to keep decals in place, and not have to deal with wet sanding, this is your kit. If you're not happy with the results, then you can wet sand and do all that stuff.

[jetinspector]

I used the Meguiars Kit on mine this summer right after I bought it. The black was more of a grey in places and between all three steps of that kit and then a final polish with Mirror Glaze 21, a paint sealant, it shines almost like new. It has an oxidization remover and a high gloss polish then a wax. The wax is not UV resistant so that is why I finished it up with the paint sealant. I had an auto detailer tell me that all waxes only last about 2-3 weeks. The mirror glaze 21 will last months and the more coats of it you put on it just builds up a thicker nicer shine. I would always try using a polish before wet sanding, but that is just my opinion.