Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by ibikeak on 03/12/07 - 6:48 PM

Just purchased a "new to me" 1990 Outrage 22. The gel coat is in generally very good condition but has a dull sheen to it, primarily on the sides and top side. The hull still has a nice gloss to it. Any suggesstions on how to bring the "show room" shine back to my Whaler?

Thanks!

Posted by Jeff on 03/12/07 - 8:12 PM

Since it is not to bad from the sounds of it start wet sanding the areas of the hull that are a bit dull with 800 - 1200 grit wet sand paper. Just do a quick sand no need to get overly aggressive with it. Work your way up to 1600 and finish with 2000 if needed. Next use 3M finesse it rubbing compound over the entire area. You can use a buffer for this or a hand work over with a teri cloth rag is find if you used the 2000 grit. Next finish with a good wax. This is where "TO EACH THEIR OWN" comes into play. I use Eagle 1 wet with teflon automotive wax. It should finish up like new!

Posted by Joe Kriz on 03/12/07 - 8:26 PM

I would start with the finesse first as you may not need to sand... Depends on how bad your finish is. I hate sanding if I don't need to.

I used 3M polish and wax. I believe it has a light rubbing compound in it.
My boat was oxidized and this did wonders for my hull. One step polish and wax at the same time.
I would test one area with a particular product and see how it works for you. If a certain product does what you want it to do, then continue on....

Posted by tpnaquin on 03/13/07 - 7:27 AM

Joe: Any experience or thoughts on the use of Penetrol to bring back that shine? I've read some threads that support the use of this product to bring back the color/shine (without sanding).

I'm in the same boat (well not really, I have a 86 Montauk 17 that needs a good once over).

Thanks,

Todd

Posted by ibikeak on 03/14/07 - 8:35 PM

Thank you all for your wisdom and advice. I had tried Meguiar's One Step Compound but was not real thrilled about the results. It may have been too cold (40 to 45 degrees) when I was working on the boat or I didn't use enough "finesse". I will try some of the other suggestions and report back when winter finally breaks, temps warm up and I can get back to it. Thanks again!

Posted by Tom2697 on 03/28/07 - 9:42 PM

I have been polishing/deoxidizing my boat using Flitz liquid polish. It's a bit pricey at $50 per quart but I've done the inside (including the non-skid) with the polishing ball and have used less than 1/8 of the bottle. I started on the outside by hand and brought back a no-reflection patch back to where I can read the label on the bottle.
I was desperate after working with the 3M product for a few hours until I ran out. I then used a medium duty rubbing compound. I started scouring my shelf in the garage for a polish when I noticed Flitz advertises it is for restoring fiberglass. I tried a bit on the spot I was working and was impressed. I then tried a bit more on the patch next to it and it looked IDENTICAL to what I just spent an hour on with rubbing compound! And this took less than five minutes!!!
Well, the interior is complete and I have most of the hull left (I was too exhausted to continue). The non-skid is cleaner than it ever had been and is not slippery at all. I will probably go over all smooth surfaces with a true marine polish to give it lasting shine but the Flitz has removed the oxidation.