Old boat, limited time, how to improve appearence

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jag22

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I've been reading all the posts and other websites that discuss gelcoat restoration, polishing, waxing etc. There is a huge amount of information on the web, all using products that can be purchased online, often at very expensive prices.

I have an old boat that I am preparing to get back into the water on Lake Windermere in April, and would like to do what I can to improve the appearance as much as is reasonably possible.

I have limited time that I can spend working on my boat as it is 3 hours drive away. I'm planning to spend a 2 day weekend as soon as the weather improves, to clean, 'polish' and wax the hull and topsides.

I have lots of the usual issues with an old boat (some areas of cracked paint, staining, faded, dull etc). The question is this:

What do I purchase to do a job of improving the current look of the boat? Or, could I just go and get a bottle of T-Cut out of the garage and polish it with this, and buff it with wax?

What can I reasonably expect on limited time / budget?

Thanks All.
 
A jet wash and cilit bang will do most of the work.

( you will get crucified on here if you mention jetwashing woodwork, but what the hell, just have it on a setting that won't hurt your hand ).


Go over it all.

Then cutting paste if you need to polish.

Avoid t cut as it can stain gelcoat yellow. autoglym for the wax


wessex chemicals for the woodwork. Comes up like new in about 20 mins.

Brasso for the stainless.

Lines and sheets in the washing machine.

Will look lovely afterwards
 
Jet wash - Got (portable one anyway)

Cilit bang - Got

Cutting paste - Not got. What sort?

T-cut - OK, won't use

Autoglym - Got

Wessex chemicals for the woodwork. Comes up like new in about 20 mins - Not got. Will research this.

Brasso for the stainless - Got

Lines and sheets in the washing machine - GOT
 
Cleaning hull

First off is a spray with oxalic acid in water. Acetone may help other stains. That will do wonders. My trailer sailer was painted by me with brush many years ago with 2 pack polyurethane paint. So t is not difficult to cover the damage acquired each year with more paint. I would never go for polishing that won't help the damage. The paint is quick and while never looking like new does keep the boat reasonable. I would think there would be far more important work to do than polish it. good luck olewill
 
jag22 said:
I have an old boat that I am preparing to get back into the water on Lake Windermere in April, and would like to do what I can to improve the appearance as much as is reasonably possible.
Click to expand...

Got any faded/scratched coachlines on it?

A good clean and some new stripes & lettering can make it look better for NotMuchDosh.
 
My previous boat got damaged due to an accident and now i have no sufficient money to buy a new one. So please helps me how i repair my old boat and give it a new look which attract others and also provide me business.
 
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A quick and easy way to 'restore' the looks of an old grp hull is to wipe on Owatrol with a cloth, brings back a uniform colour.

Beware though that after a few years it forms a tatty finish like old peeling varnish, requiring hard polishing to remove.
 
Don't get one of those cheap polishing machines! After the forums advice years ago I got one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180mm-120...ssories_Car_Care_Cleaning&hash=item3a7b5159ea

Just use it with care - the foam heads are for rubbing compounds, the mop is for polishing. It doesn't take all the hard work out of the job, but its what the professionals use and was £49 well invested for us.

Search the forum for tips on how to use it. (general hint, use water as a lubricant and SLOW speed or a lot of care...!)
 
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