Keeping Gelcoat Like New

Hello,

We strive to keep our gelcoat looking like new. That "chalky" look and feel makes me cringe!

Nearly 3 years in, so far so good. We've been washing every 2 weeks and having it waxed every 6-8 months.

Wondering what you all think are the best products and techniques? Wax? Polymers? Brand?

Also, our teak cap rails and fly steps were originally finished with a glossy varnish.They look nice. We've maintained them thus far but this, too, will be ongoing, so your advice on this is also appreciated.

Collinite Fibreglass Boat Wax 925

As to sealants, I suggest Zaino, Rejex, Sea-Shield or some other polymer sealant. They all outlast wax and do not hold the after a rain black streaks like wax will.

For varnish, Bristol finish or I've heard great things about Awlgrip's new Awlwood MA.

So, a sealant instead of wax? How long do you think a sealant will last?

If covered berths are available I can attest almost 50 years in that they work well.

rclarke246 said:

So, a sealant instead of wax? How long do you think a sealant will last?

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I've never seen a true old school wax last 6-8 months in the Florida sun. Even Collinite paste wax. Which is one of, if not the best of the true waxes out there. And by last I mean where water beads up after a wash and the wax doesn't turn yellow. Unless perhaps the boat is kept under cover and washed with the proper products using the correct techniques.

Polymers seem to last 3-4 months when washed properly. And they hold far less black streaks after a rain then wax. Plus what streaks they get will for the most part wipe or wash off. Where with wax you end up stripping the wax to get rid of the streaks. And then you have to reapply more wax.

For example, a 70' Viking MY I used to run had a bad station wagon effect with the engine exhaust. So bad that after a long run we would have to wash the transom with Simple Green at the end of the day to get it clean. Which would of course strip off any wax we had on there. Once we switched to using 3-4 coats of Zaino on the transom and surrounding area we could wash the transom with straight Simple Green 5 or 6 times if need be before the rinse water would stop beading up and we would have to reapply the Zaino. After a short or slow speed day most of the soot would wash off with plain wash down soap.
M

http://www.jetshineusa.com/index.html

Easy as could be. Long lasting. I'll never wax again

I've seen that stuff but don't know about who has used it. Have you? If so how long has it been on and how is it working out?

captrigney said:

Welcome to JetShineUSA.com Authorized Distributor of Permanon for Aircraft, Jets, Helicopters & Microlights

Easy as could be. Long lasting. I'll never wax again

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Looks interesting and seriously considering it.

It looks like I'll need to remove any old wax before application of this. What is the best way to remove the old wax?

Remove old wax with Dawn dish soap

Capt.Bill11 said:

I've seen that stuff but don't know about who has used it. Have you? If so how long has it been on and how is it working out?

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It lasts until it gets worn off by something abrasive. There's a product they sell that's supposed to renew the finish. I've used it on cars as well. Do your windshield and Windows and water drips of like Rain ex.

captrigney said:

It lasts until it gets worn off by something abrasive. There's a product they sell that's supposed to renew the finish. I've used it on cars as well. Do your windshield and Windows and water drips of like Rain ex.

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I've been using the newer glass sealants, not this brand, and they work really well. Last far longer than Rain-X.

So how has this stuff worked on your cars? Do you know any one who has used this stuff on a boat?

Capt.Bill11 said:

I've been using the newer glass sealants, not this brand, and they work really well. Last far longer than Rain-X.

So how has this stuff worked on your cars? Do you know any one who has used this stuff on a boat?

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I use it on my boat and cars. Works great on both.

captrigney said:

I use it on my boat and cars. Works great on both.

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Interesting. I assume you need to start with a good smooth, clean surface?
How long is it lasting? Any application issues with it?

Ah the timeless question of waxes, polishers, strippers and the like. There are ALMOST as many opinions on this subject as "Anchors!"

We like Rejex. Now admittedly the Hatteras is an Imron painted boat and doesn't necessarily "need" waxing, but as the paint was old I found Rejex (or something like AwlCare) made washing the boat with plain water (or highly diluted boat soap) easy and kept the ICW mustache at bay. I'd have it reapplied an average of about 18 months-2 years , with a close to the water line touch up maybe once a year, this fully exposed and cruised in salt water year around.

Capt.Bill11 said:

Interesting. I assume you need to start with a good smooth, clean surface?
How long is it lasting? Any application issues with it?

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They sell a cleaner but I haven't tried it. I had my boat buffed but not waxed. I then applied the Permanon diluted as directed with a spray bottle or you can use a garden sprayer or one they sell. Rinse with water, dry with a cloth and you're done. If your finish its in good shape just wash and supply the product. I think there instructions and videos on the web site.

Thanks.

Just saw this Thread....I just finished 30 Hours of buffing and put a Nano Polymer on....you wipe it on and walk away...goes on like thin water....First I lightly buffed the boat.....That took most of the 30 hours...wiping on the Sealant was 30 minutes per side .......44' power Cat.....Suppose to last 2 years....I'll be happy with 6 to 8 mos.......It does bead water good, even at bow, where water friction is constant. Its been about 2 months, but I've used it before and it went 6.

I wonder if this is similar to Permanon??

I'm a glutton for punishment, but it looks so Shiny when finished...I was sore afterward OH, I just did from the Rubrails down, and under the boat and transom.....the rest is for another day ;D