Polishing Yacht Interior

[matthewriches]

First post! As the new proud owner of a Fairline 40ft... it needs a few jobs doing to it, all of which really are interior

I would like to restore the dull veneered interior. It is free of damage and damp, water marks, etc... it is just a bit dull and faded. It currently looks like what could only be described as an 80's caravan look ha ha!

What would be the best wax or polish to bring it up back to a gleaming shiny finish? I guess a little bit of a fine sanding and wirewool wouldn't go amiss either.

I have a variable speed rotary polisher for the doors and larger panels but some of the cabinets butt right up to the headliner so need to take that into consideration.

TIA

 

[ex-Gladys]

Beware of waxes etc if you have to recoat in the future, as they often throw varnishes and stains off. With Gladys, (I know old raggie as opposed to a stinkpot) I rubbed down what was there and in a weekend used marine varnish which 8 years later is still looking the business.

 

[Monique]

Absolutely avoid any product containing silicone...

On Eleuthera, we use dish washing liquid in minute quantity in a considerable quantity of warm water... then wipe dry with micro fiber cloths.

The boat is 26 YO and all the mahogany surfaces look like new.

GL

 

[reeac]

This is where I do my regular plug for citrus oil polish .... I've been using it for many years now with a wipe all round during laying up or fitting out. It takes me an hour to go round all the interior woodwork on my 29 ft. Cruiser. We use it on domestic furniture as well . It cleans and leaves a lovely semi-mattt sheen and faint citrus smell.. Current stuff is Parker & Bailey lemon Oil Polish. Costs around £5 for a bottle which lasts a long time. Once round the boat probably uses less than 50 pence worth. I've no connection with the Company.

 

[Tranona]

While polishes might do something for dirty woodwork, you may find that simply washing it removes the accumulated dirt. The sort of finish on boat interiors does not need polish. If just cleaning does not work then it needs refinishing which is not a trivial job.

 

[Concerto]

Starting in the 1980's most motorboat builders were laquering and waxing all woodwork for a soft finish. You do not mention how old your Fairline is, so cannot advise if yours was finished this way. You may be wise to ask this question on the mobo forum as this section of the forum is more sailing based.

 

[matthewriches]

It's a 1989. Thanks,

 

[simonfraser]

i prefer to polish the mast only and not bother with the interior.