Wow! How to Keep Your Boat Looking Good!

[primative]

Redbaronace

Some big projects to conclusion, can relate, feels great. I know how much I have appreciated the results of insulating my boat! A REAL game changer for me.

I did not know about the anti-burn feature of the Porter Cable. More research before I can decide. The author of the post at SailNet.com (Sunbeam shared the link) preferred the Makita 9227, as you probably know.

Hope you have a fine outing on the water.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Sunbeam]

I read all of his tutorial and things will never be the same.

Heh, I know what you mean. The first time I did a "real" polishing job (although even at that not quite as precise as in the link), I knew things would never be the same. Sorry! :wink

The author said Presta products are usually only professional distrib., difficult to find. Have you discovered a place to get these products yet?

I looked around and found bits and pieces here and there (Amazon, etc.). If I remember correctly there was one auto speciality place that had it (but maybe not everything I wanted... sorry, I forget). In the end I just called Presta themselves (there was no dealer near me to go to) and they were great, had everything (of course), and I just ordered through them and it was easy.

S: RE: different thread. Any findings with the Water Witch yet or other choice?

Not yet, but I will update when I have info (not that I mind you checking, because I could certainly forget).

Sunbeam

 

[jsimmons248]

Great thread!

A couple of comments:

-Chalking of the gelcoat is caused by the actinic rays (high intensity/UV rays) of the sun.

-Chalking is actually the degradation of the top layer of the gelcoat

-Abrasive cleaners, pads, etc., remove this top layer exposing the new glossy gelcoat below, which, if left unprotected, will also chalk over time.

-Once the chalking is removed, using a wax with a good UV protector will slow down or prevent chalking in the future.

-Abrasive cleaners, etc., should never be used on glossy gelcoat, only wax with the UV protector in it. (Many waxs/cleaners are combined in one product these days). Also, only use the minimum amount of abrasive possible to remove the least amount of gelcoat.

I wish I was smart enough to have come up with all of this by myself but I actually got this information from a man who was in the gelcoat/fiberglass business :!:


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