That time of year again - boat detailing for storage

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

This morning was 10 C. I'd be lucky to get one more boating weekend in before she gets stored, so I figure I might as well detail and wax now. I had some dock rash as well as micro marring from the fenders rubbing against the boat. I did some 1500 grit wet sanding for the dock rash, followed by some 2000 grit, and then 3m Finesse. Then I used Meguire's pure wax applied with my Porter Cable. Some ipotato pics are below

After applying the finesse - the shine is becoming visible

A white polishing pad, as you can see, a little of the gelcoat comes off (not much)

After the wax

Still have to clean up the trailer and wax it ....

230 Mike · **Posted:** Mon Sep 16, 2013 7:16 pm

Lookin' great, and extra points for taking care of the trailer too. Every year I say I'm going to start doing that...

john55c · **Posted:** Mon Sep 16, 2013 8:11 pm

Wow, that looks like new! I love how your jack stands match both the trailer and the boat! Nice work, and sad realization that the season is drawing to a close. Here, Sep & Oct are the best boating months, especially September when the water is still warm.

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Mon Sep 16, 2013 8:27 pm

Dang bluedragon, I just love the color of your SL, especially with that red stripe. Hopefully next season we can get some of us Ontario guys together for a meet and drink, errr I mean greet...

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

^^ Thanks! The colour is what partially sold me on FW. Its hard to take care of a dark colour because every little scratch shows.

I'm already planning to come boating in the Niagara river with you next year

Everytime I get stuck on the Queenston Lewiston bridge, I can just see how inviting the river is.

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Mon Sep 16, 2013 8:49 pm

Cool, just give me a heads up when your thinking of coming up river. I belong to a club and can arrange for plenty of dock space and a grilling area.

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

NiagaraChillin wrote:

Cool, just give me a heads up when your thinking of coming up river. I belong to a club and can arrange for plenty of dock space and a grilling area.

Cool! This year was a little disappointing, missed Canada day fireworks because of fog and 2m waves (didn't want to take any chances), and then we missed doing our labour day crystal beach trip, so I'll have to make up for it next year

. Planning on two places I haven't boated yet, the Niagara River and Thousand Islands.

Jafo4U · **Joined:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:33 am **Posts:** 1026

That looks great! Have to get one of those Porters, I have a large orbital that my dad uses well on cars but I am not experienced enough to not burn the paint. How has the Porter worked out for you.

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

The PC works great, I got it because I was scared of burning the paint on the car, and the random orbital motion won't do that. Just get the proper products and pads and you'll be good.

neutron · **Posted:** Tue Sep 17, 2013 11:05 am

Looks great Bluedragon, nice work

JeffLW · **Posted:** Tue Sep 17, 2013 1:55 pm

Great job!
Nice to see someone taking on the blue hull polishing.
Mine needs some buffing bad, but I have'nt worked up the courage to try it myself yet fearing I may make it worse.
Got a quote for someone else to do it and thats even scarier. :shock:

Bliss36 · **Posted:** Tue Sep 17, 2013 2:56 pm

Looks fantastic!! Are the pictures you posted the area that you wet sanded or just the hull in general? I've got a few dock rash area's that I've been too nervous to try wet sanding but with results like that it might be worth a shot.

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

It includes some of the area to the rear. First day at a rented cottage I took the boat off the trailer and went to tie up at the end of a floating dock. Ended up kissing the side with the rear of the boat leaving a 2 inch scratch.It was this dock, the wind/waves just pushed me in. I quickly learned to use them to dock and not come to close initially

I was scared to do it myself, but the quote for polishing was over $500 :lol:

I watched a few videos, bought the proper tools and tried it. The scariest part is when you see blue gelcoat on the 1500 grit sandpaper and in the bucket used to keep the sandpaper wet. After the area dries, its very hazy too, so you are thinking holy crap! What did I do. I followed up with 2000 grit and it got less hazy. I couldn't find 3000 grit, so I used the finesse right after that. I did the entire side with the finesse, (you can see it in the top picture).

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Tue Sep 17, 2013 8:14 pm

Looks great. Wet-sanding and buffing can be intense, but the results are worth it! Bliss if you need help let me know...I've done it a bit on my 268. I had them take care of this boat before I picked it up.

While I miss having a solid blue hull...it was a lot of upkeep. I can't imagine that on a slipped boat. The white with black near the rub rail is just enough color for me. I did a full wax over the past two weekends...makes me wish I had a smaller boat! I cheat and have it washed weekly.

I haven't used 3m Finesse, I assume it is similar to Buff Magic?

ric · **Posted:** Tue Sep 17, 2013 8:19 pm

Looks great! Want to do my boat next? The summer has pretty much removed any bit of mirror finish off my gelcoat. It's time for a good few hours under the buffer.

www.iFourWinns.com

That time of year again - boat detailing for storage

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