help on neglected temporarily adopted boat advice/tips needed

[i-aint-got-a-clue-help]

Bit of a long story but basically family member has a sea ray, hes had ill health and its been in marina and a so called friend was supposed to be looking after, which turns out hasnt been happening, thats another story

My auntie says her husband wants to revisit boat, hes terminally ill, but boat needs a good clean.

Any advice on how i should spruce boat up, the gelcoat looks rather dull and looks like seagulls have been dropping mussels on it, tried washing it off with boat shampoo but stubborn marks especially on non skid deck.

She got a price for detailing boat but it was a silly price.

With a little bit of hard work and idiots guy how do i go trying to bring a shine back to boat. imagine a electric polisher help.

whats best polish wax etc best to buy, someone mentioned using cij at marina cant imagine that be any good,

I know one thing you mention work marine and price triples.

Just trying to rally round and help family out.

 

[Bouba]

Welcome, I-ain’t-got-a-clue, all my boat cleaning begins with a jet wash

 

[burgundyben]

Wash it on a rainy day, all the crap will be nice and soft.

 

[i-aint-got-a-clue-help]

the marks off the shells are very stubborn, ok will bring pressure washer, but any tips on the actual cleaning.

can the gelcoat id that what its called be revieived.

it was raining that day i tempted to wash it

 

[BruceK]

Try Y10 from the chandlery for the stubborn stains. A little tub goes a long way when applied with a brush. That should take care of the stains. After that it depends on the state of the gelcoat. If it is chalky it has oxidised and needs a good cut and polish with a quality wax paste. The issue is it's a lot of elbow grease and patience to do a good job. It's not for nothing boat detailing is so expensive. You may find half way through the job you wish you'd stumped up the cash. A poor cut and polish if not done correctly can make the appearance look even worse. Do not use household chemicals to clean things like vinyl and canvas. Any short term gains can promote a rapid decline in the material. Take advice from the Chandlery. Really patience is key, and elbow grease. If it's not a labour of love, pay someone else to do it properly.

 

[i-aint-got-a-clue-help]

i been to the boat shop, and they saying farecla stuff is good guy said the g3 is cheaper but thats really for cars, told thats the cutting compound. on the boat there is bottles of meguirs.

Cant afford the £££s to get someone else to clean it prefer to spend about £100or so on materials and get the correct instructions to do it myself with advice given.

 

[matt_lake]

i been to the boat shop, and they saying farecla stuff is good guy said the g3 is cheaper but thats really for cars, told thats the cutting compound. on the boat there is bottles of meguirs.

Cant afford the £££s to get someone else to clean it prefer to spend about £100or so on materials and get the correct instructions to do it myself with advice given.

If you plan to use G3 you'll need to wax the boat afterwards or it will look chalky again in no time.

 

[dj43]

Try autoglyn car polish, all polish is a fine cutting compound ,will clean and put a shine on, don't be afraid of using plenty, if that fails you will need to try a cutting compound ,3m products do a range, but best to use a electric polisher , eBay is your friend

 

[i-aint-got-a-clue-help]

ive been looking at farecla selcet its for marine use, anyone got any thoughts on it

is it best to get a carnuba wax is it best to use marine products rather than car

any thoughts on a vinyl cleaner for seats.

have use of a electric polisher may need to buy a new sheepskin head

 

[TheOrs]

I used cream cleaner (not Cif, but similar) on my non slip decks. It worked a treat.
For the hull sides I used 3M liquid marine wax.

Is the boat in the water or out on the hard?

 

[i-aint-got-a-clue-help]

its in water, going to try and make a full list of what i need

 

[kashurst]

3M do a cutting compound and polish in one. Just follow their instructions. Have a go on a small section first. Saves a lot of time and the results are pretty good. Get a proper electric polisher from eBay or Amazon. Don't waste your time with one of those crappy car polishers from Halfords etc. If you are just doing above the rubbing strake (metal/rubber strip all around the boat) two good afternoons should do it. Give the boat a serious jet wash first