I am a new member to the performace boating community. I have been following this website for several months before I bought I finally broke down and bought a older 1991 Baja 290. The boat is in great shape with twin 7.4 mercs, mirage prop, etc. The problem with the boat is the oxidation and yellowing on the hull. I have been reading other posts on this subject(s) but still haven't solved my problem. The problem is that I have used 3M super duty rubbing compound and high speed buffer on the oxidation, I could get rid of most of the oxidation except I couldn't get rid of the oxidation on the stripes, especially the red and blue. I have been told that I will have to use 400 or 600 grit "wet" sandpaper. That seems a little aggressive. I thought that I could try using some type of acid hull cleaner, then use the 600 grit "wet" sandpaper followed by more rubbing compound, then finally some marine wax. Believe me I have tried lots of rubbing compound, but still can't get the color in the stripes the way I think it should be. Any suggestions or product endorsements from the community would be appericated.

LL

go to a good auto parts store and get 1400 or 1600 grit wet paper and spray bottle. Getyou arm ready for a work out and srpay on some h2o and get to snading. Its a pain in the ass but it works. You can also try a good gritty compound.

The gel coat is sun damaged and has to be removed. The white is probably just as bad but you cant see it. Try putting on some sun glasses and look at the white at different angles. You will probably see some cloudyness. The dark colors are the worst to repair.

What I mean by removed is just the surface not all of it.

I have taken the advice of a professional marine detailer whch brough my red hull back to life. His information is very specific even to what manufacturer the boat is. I would ask for his advice. I am sure there are plenty of people on this site too who know what to do but I m happy with my results. The site is boatered.com and go to the marine detailing section and ask Mike Ryan. What I do on mine might not be the correct procedure for you Baja. Welcome to the board.

Tom

We at Face It Boat Reconditioning deal with this oxidation on a daily bases. The gelcoat is about 20 mill thick. Buffing will only shine up the oxidation, and will be back in a couple monthes. What you have to do is sand it off. Then Buff, Level, and then wax. On a 20' boat it takes about 38 hours for the sanding part of it. We use 7 different grits of paper. It works. Theres no easy way. www.faceitboatrepair.com If you want more info call between 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Monday - Friday..... Shop 513-895-BOAT

I spent 15 years in that Buss......Steve Broz hit it dead on !!!! You will be a wipped pup when done!!! The best thing i ever found was to wet sand then apply clear Uerathane {spl?} boat will look perfect for years!! otherwise you will be doing this again!!!

I want to thank everyone for posting a response to my questions. I have decided to begin"wet" sanding after this weekend. Thanks again.

LL