soley277

I searched and tried alot of different products, and want to know what the best way to get a good shine on the boat. It is a 91 and the gel coat seems a little worn out.

Ron P

If you want to bring it back all the way, start with 800 wet sandpaper, then go to 1000, then 2000, then start buffing with a compound then a swirl remover then wax. All depends how bad you want it to shine.

GoCiggie31

I have had some very good luck using the mcguire gelcoat restore(lite polishing compound) and a heavy duty buffer (milwalkee) and cleaning the pad often being carefull not to burn the gel coat followed up with mcguire gelcoat wax. Go slow, a 1991 if not buffed too much should come back to a good sparkle.
Good luck,
WDG

soley277

thank for the advise i'll try both.
800 grit? how thick is the gel coat? I hope i wont go through.

GoCiggie31

Gel coat is much thicker than paint, but if you don't know the history of the surface, or have much experience with wet sanding, be careful and don't be in a hurry and enjoy the process.
Keep lots of light on the project to watch the results- clean surface and pad often, pay attention and you will do well.

WDG

pullmytrigger

A leaf got caught under the cover of my boat (1989) last year that I didnt know about and it left an imprint of itself in the gel right on the deck!! .......I was worried to say the least.......the rest of it was looking chalky too.......talked to my guy at the marina.......got Meguires Mirror Glaze#44 colour restorer in the blue bottle....worked it with a rotary buffer.....Followed that up with meguires Mirror Glaze #45 boat/RV polish....again with the buffer........then finally Meg #55 Boat/Rv Premium Sealant........put on with a rag......
4 or 5 hrs later (the bulk of which was with the colour restorer) the leaf print was completly gone and that deck and the rest of the boat looked absolutly BEAUTIFUL!!!....the best it ever has looked......unreal products!!!

doug