Trader boat clean

[SeaAndSea]

We're about to receive our new to us boat and know that she is dirty, inside and out. She's an older boat with lots of wood inside. She's been out of the water for a few months in a hot dusty Marseille boat yard with little rust streaks from port holes that look like tears.

I've read a few posts on here about cleaning products and wondered if any new product had entered the market this year?

I think I understand it's a 2 part process, clean and then seal on the outside. Other than wax are there other/better sealers?

And what do people use to clean wood inside to keep/enhance/restore that high gloss look?

Cheers
Colin
Essex Marina

 

[Whopper]

I wouldn’t personally bother with any of the 2in1 polish and wax type products. What you’re describing is a pretty big job. I would take a look at some automotive products for this. There’s a guy on YouTube The Forensic Detailer, he’ll give you an idea of different products.

To begin you’ll need to wash it properly. Snow foam (recommend bilt hamber), decent deck brush, 2x passes at a minimum. You could try a fallout remover too. If this doesn’t shift the rust stains you’ll need oxalic acid or Y10 as it gets sold as. Don’t power hose your teal decks!

For polishing you’ll need a decent rotary or forced dual action/orbital polisher. A proper polisher will be far lighter than a variable speed angle grinder. It’s worth the money trust me. You’ll also need a load of microfiber towels for removing residue and general wiping down. For polish itself I would recommend a heavy compound. I’ve had great results with Menzerna 400 heavy compound. You might even need a coarser one as well! The menzerna “self erodes” so it’s relatively easy to use. When you’ve finished a section you’ll need to wipe residue to ensure even/good results. I would recommend using a panel wipe (alcohol) solution here. Gtechniq do a pretty good one.

Once you’re finished polishing you’ll be totally wrecked. Personally I don’t bother with waxing and rather go for a “lighter” version of Gtechniq ceramic coating. Specifically Liquid Crystal C2v3. This is super easy to apply. You’d do the whole hull in an hour I guess. Literally minimal effort.

 

[Mr Googler]

For that first clean I’d use traffic film remover. Wet the boat, use it neat, scrub and rinse. Work in sections. It’s cheap and takes off all sorts including any old wax, green and light rust stains.

Then the work starts!

 

[rubberduck]

Something like Briwax for the furniture, hard work & in a damp environment expect to do it more than once so try & keep moisture down. Failing that strip & start again.

 

[SeaAndSea]

Thanks for your replies, do they hold true for all the gelcoat areas of the boat, hull to fly bridge?
Colin

 

[Whopper]

Yes my response details polishing topsides and hull down to the waterline.

If the boat is older I would keep an eye out for leaking window seals and try to attend to those while it’s on the hard.

 

[SeaAndSea]

Thanks Whopper. She's back in the water now in Antwerp. Should be with us in the UK in a week or so.

 

[SeaAndSea]

Are all exterior car detailing products ok to use on gelcoats?

Should deck brushes be soft or stiff?

 

[Scubadoo]

Try Vistal, been using it for years and great for removing all sorts of grime and bringing back a shine. Then wax afterwards.

https://www.vistalcleaningproducts.co.uk/boat-cleaner-6-c.asp