Tarting up the CLB

boatone

boatone

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 Jul 2001
Messages
12,845
Location
Just a few cables from Boulters Lock
www.tmba.org.uk
The blue gelcoat gunwale area around my boat is faded and repeated cutting and polishing means its also getting a little thin in places.
Can anyone recommend the best way of restoring it or recommend a contractor?
gunwhaleblue.jpg
 
I think all Hardys go like that; I asked Hardy Marine how they kept the blue stripe on their longer-serving demonstrators looking so good and they said they repaint them every year. Not exactly the answer I wanted.
 
I know it might seem like a bit of a badge but regular spraying of a silicone spray , like dashboard shine usually perks up tired gel coat . Or even a wipe with a wd40 soaked cloth from time to time.
 
I think the 'official' blue recoat is available from either Hardy direct or via the Hardy Owners Club. I can't see any references on the Hardy site and the Owners Club site doesn't work properly (password to access the Members Only section not accepted - again).
 
Some 2 pack paints suffer badly from chalking...you could well end up forever T cutting it back and ending up in the same boat (pun intended) in a couple of years

Have you thought about vinyl? It might end up cheaper and less maintenance
 
boatone said:
The blue gelcoat gunwale area around my boat is faded and repeated cutting and polishing means its also getting a little thin in places.
Can anyone recommend the best way of restoring it or recommend a contractor?
gunwhaleblue.jpg
Click to expand...

As suggested, vinyl wrap is great for this job. No mess and pretty quick application. You might want to ask though about durability due to lock sides touching/marking the vinyl. I've seen it used on the coast where there is little or no abrasion from high moorings, walls etc.
 
Cashbuyer said:
As suggested, vinyl wrap is great for this job. No mess and pretty quick application. You might want to ask though about durability due to lock sides touching/marking the vinyl. I've seen it used on the coast where there is little or no abrasion from high moorings, walls etc.
Click to expand...

Was thinking the same myself but definitely not a diy job with all those curves to contend with!!
 
No not really a job for DIY....I've make a right pigs ear of it the few times I've tried it on cars, even larger stickers have gone horribly wrong unless you know what you are doing

I guess you could get them to do just the transom, or the first couple of feet from the bow might be a better test
 
boatone said:
Not weird at all. Blue pigment is notorious for fading. Anyways, are you sure your black hasn't been painted a few times?

(Please note I have not been rude in my response though I was sorely tempted …..)
Click to expand...

I think its a general pigment problem. That's why I sought out the white version of my old tub.
Had a red car once which metamorphosed over the years into a powdery maroon!
 
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