Cleaning

[Guest]

Okay, I'm in the process of cleaning the hull, the bit above the waterline. Been using Farecla G3, comes up very nice after lots of hard rubbing. My questions, should I do anything after, a wax maybe, if so which brand can be recommended? Other question, found some damage - a 1" hole in the gelcoat exposing the fibreglass - how do I repair?

Thank you all

 

[miket]

G3 is very coarse, so I hope it is a heavily stained or oxidised hull.
I use G10 on an electric polisher with copious quantities of water, every other season, on a 10 year old hull, followed by a wax. There are a huge variety, but the teflon variety seems to last well. Don't get too carried away with the compound (G3).

Re the hole: if it's down to the matting you must let it dry out completely before filling. Use a Gel coat repair filler. If you go back to the manufacturer he can usually supply the correct "original" colour match.

 

[Guest]

I agree with Mike. You've got to wax it and the best one I've found is Starbrite Teflon polish. Not cheap though, but worth the extra cost. Not too much hard work, just apply, leave to dry to a haze and then buff off using a lambs wool pad on an orbital sander is easiest. Two coats will give a good finish that'll last the year.

 

[Scubadoo]

I totally agree the Starbrite Teflon is an excellent polish, tried others and end up going back to the Teflon - been using it for more than 6years.

RM.

 

[Guest]

A little update...

Whilst not perfect all over, the G3 has made a great job of restoring the gloss to the hull. Took the advice and bought Starbrite Teflon polish and can endorse all thoses that recommended it. Easy to apply and buff (even by hand - no power available!) and the finish is lovely. Lets see how long it lasts.

As for the hole - I had a go at repairing with Plastic Padding Gelcoat Filler. Hardly an invisable repair but appears to be totally effective and given more time sanding, rubbing and polishing would be A1.