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Hey Guys,

I've spent the holiday cleaning up and making my recent 1981 Montauk purchase shipshape. I was wondering if you guys could help me out.

First off, a handful of my railing stanchions are tarnished and look green. Any ideas on what I could use to polish them back to a shine? My bow light looks the same. I'm wondering if they are too far gone.

Another question: Whoever had the boat prior to me tried to paint the bottom of the boat. Good thing for me, they did a really poor job. I want to remove the paint and stay with the original color/gel coat of the boat. The paint scrapes off with my finger nail. Some have suggested a light sandpaper and then waxing when finished. I put a little goof off on a rag and did a tiny spot on the bottom. It took the blue paint right off. Is this a big "no no"? My thought is that if I use the goof off, wouldn't I be OK if I waxed it shortly after?

Also, I read the fella posting about refinishing his wood with varnish. I just finished oiling the teak on my new purchase. Is everyone getting away from the oil and going straight to varnish? I have to say that after the several coats of oil, I did wonder if I should have just gone with the varnishing application.

Happy New Year everyone and I hope 2009 treats you better than 2008.

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Lots of people like oil. Lots like varnish. I think you will find oil more popular on teak and varnish more popular on mahogany. The poster said he had a 13 with original wood, which means its mahogany, so I assumed varnishing was the method preferred for this member's application.

--John

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If the bow rail fittings and bow light are green, that means the chrome plating has worn off and the underlying bronze has acquired a patina. The solution is simple: Remove the hardware and have it re-chromed. This should not cost a lot and it will look better than new.

It if much easier to re-chrome that to try to find substitute replacement hardware for that boat. Those bits are the jewels of Whalers so they may as well look as good as new.

The woodwork on Montauks is teak and was always never varnished form the factory. Most folks just renew the oil finish or let it weather. You can also varnish it if you prefer; there is nothing wrong with that, just a lot more work. It is up to you.

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Try Easy-Off Heavy duty oven cleaner for the bottom paint removal. Toxic but does the job.

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There's also a water based Goof Off that would be safe to use. Sounds like it isn't going to take much to get it off fortunately. Post some pic's when you have a chance.

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Soy Strip Marine Paint Remover from Franmar. I have used this and it has worked well for me, plus it is environmentally friendly, not harsh at all on the hull, and washes away with water. Comes in multiple sizes.

http://www.franmar.com/product_info.p...ucts_id=84

Their product was put up against all the top-of-the-line or otherwise "usual" strippers used for this by Practical Sailor, and the Franmar Soy Strip product came out on top.

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Tom, what do you think the cost would be for re-chroming all the fittings?

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Should cost $5 - $10 for each part.

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Perhaps I suffer from Winteritis but chrome is happening here. Marine grade is triple plated, a little money but the results are as Tom puts it "Jewels." Six small pieces cost $180. I attempted to purchase new parts where available but I didn't find anyone with a more extensive collection of new parts than myself, so the unique parts went off and are slowly returning.

Now the real problem with this whole thing, we attempt to bring these things back to life and we do. But at some point (new chrome in my case) the old girl just begins to show need for more and more; she'll never be new and I don't want her to be as we log many hours each year (over 300 this year). The weather here doesn't currently permit 'glass work but I'm seeking info and ready to go when I get a break.

As for your Montauk, tread lightly or you'll never finish. Go to a pro and get her minted out then you can post pictures of your mint boat you're afraid to use. (Search the site, they're here, or make it the boat you want and do with it as it was intended to be used.

Whaler On! She won't sink and the looks of the finished product are for you only. I've learned this the hard way.

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Where can you get something rechromed for $5 - $10? The last load I sent out for rechroming was around $20 - $30 a piece plus the shipping.