Gel coat maintenance

Jstew

I bought my FV310 earlier this year. I'm new to boating so I'm just trying to learn the ropes. It's 15 years old. I had it detailed to bring back the shine on the hull due to oxidation.  Now I'm trying to figure out what routine maintenance I need to do to keep that shine going. I know this sounds like a simple question to you experienced boaters but I'm just trying to be thorough.  I keep it on a lift in a covered dock and I spray it down with freshwater after each run.   I'm on a lake so salt isn't an issue. Should I be waxing it regularly and if so what should I use and how?  Any other tips? 

NavyCTRC

Nearly everyone uses something different as far as waxes go.  Yes, you should be applying wax on a semi-regular basis to maintain that gelcoat shine.  I just started using one called "Colinite" liquid, it is what they use on aircraft and is supposed to last a long time, the jury is still out, but after about 6 weeks since last application everything is still beading up and shiny except where my generator discharges warm water.  Any good carnuba wax, minimum three times a year, pre-season, middle season and post-season, should keep your gelcoat in relatively good shape.  Will likely still have to buff it out every couple years though, depending on color of the boat.  Use 303 protector on your vinyl seats and dash areas every couple weeks, they will stay cleaner and easier to wipe up spills and use a PTFE waterproofer on your canvas at least once a year.  I use shoe waterproofer from wal-mart, it is cheap and does the same job as the "Marine" products for less than half the cost.

Jstew

It's an all white boat.   Do you apply the wax by hand with a cloth or do you use some sort of buffer to do it? Again I realize these are novice questions but I just don't know  Lol.  Learning....

aero3113

@NavyCTRC great tip! (shoe waterproofer)

06Rinker270

I use Collinite paste wax and I always apply by hand. Polish and compound with machine. Here's a couple of good links to read and follow. Being in a covered slip is a huge benefit for you.  

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=117266

Scroll down to page 2 to see Michael T explanation.

https://rinkerboats.vanillaforums.com/discussion/3437/poli-glow/p1

Also so just search this forum and you'll have all the info you'll ever need.  Good luck and congrats on the new ride!  Show some pictures.

Jstew

Thank you, guys!

NavyCTRC

You can do either.  Machine or hand.  Any orbital buffer with a terry cloth or soft foam bonnet will save you some time and shoulder pain.

jmichels

I use 3 m polishing compound for heavy oxidation with a 7 inch rotary, then I use presta micro polish and then collinite for the last coat to protect. Boat looks excellent. I get compliments all the time and people are shocked its 13 years old. Collinite as mentioned lasts a very long time . 

aero3113

I agree on the Collinite, easy to work with and lasts a long time.

raybo3

Any good marine wax. I put it on with a paint brush and I use a DeWalt buffer with an rpm setting. The wax bottle should tell you the recommended rpm to use. IMO a couple (or 3) times a season should be good. Also I would be careful using compounds. Too much could take the gel coat right off the boat if your not careful......

MarkB

I had mine professionally waxed once a year and then maintained the shine by cleaning with star brite with PTFE in it. Always looked good.