Where should I start?

[mcderns]

Hey everyone, new to the site. Have some questions about polishing a couple of our boats. I have a PC 7424, and wondering where to start with what pads and what products. I have two dragboats, so they arent nearly as bad as what most of you see out there I bet. They get used once a week, for a few hours for the whole summer. So they arent really oxidized or anything like that. Mine is a 1986 Eliminator Daytona (blues and white gel), and my Dads is a 2007 Cheyenne (black and blues gel). On the Daytona, its just a little faded and swirled, and the Cheyenne is just a little swirled. Any advice or tips to get me going in the right direction? Thanks!

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2674/3686008738_e35ec5f26b_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3009/3669911881_8ea5c242bb_b.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Yeah buddy!

Now those look like fun! Why did you have to go and post pictures of drag boats? I already have the bug to get another one...


Welcome to M31 forums...


:welcome:

[mcderns]

Yeah buddy!

Now those look like fun! Why did you have to go and post pictures of drag boats? I already have the bug to get another one...


Welcome to M31 forums...


:welcome:

:thank-you:

Everyone loves a little boat porn! Whats the boat in your avatar?

[tropicsteve]

mike just did a good thread on doing a test spot in the how to section http://www.marine31online.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58
do you have an assortment of pads already ? good to have numerous orange & white pads for compounding and polishing . red pads are good for spreading waxes, sealants etc. have you looked at the marine 31 line of products yet ? they have everything you could need. they always recommend starting with the least aggressive method/products and going up from there.
p.s. those are seriously nice boats. :D

[mcderns]

I have some pads, but need to buy more. So I was going to grab some pads and whatever polishes and what not at once. Which is why I posted. I would like to try some of the Marine 31 stuff, it looks like it works really well, but I just dont know where to start. Our boats arent like most that a detailer would come across. Garage kept, always clean, no oxidation etc...I know you want to start with the least aggressive method first, but I dont want to buy something I dont really need. Thanks for the compliments on the boats! :)

[Mike Phillips]

Hey everyone, new to the site. Have some questions about polishing a couple of our boats. I have a PC 7424, and wondering where to start with what pads and what products.



The Porter Cable works best with thin pads around 5" in diameter. I tend to use the Lake Country 5.5" Flat Pads as these are pretty much bubba-proof and work great with any compound, polish or wax. They are open cell so they are also easier to clean (flush with water), than closed cell pads.

The Lake Country CCS are also real popular and some people prefer the design of the face of the pad of the CCS instead of a flat face design.

5.5" Lake Country Flat Pads (http://www.marine31.com/lake-country-beveled-edge-pads.html)http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/515/5_5_inch_Flat_pads.jpg


5.5" Lake Country CCS Pads (http://www.marine31.com/ccs-5-5inch-foam-buffing-pads.html)http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/515/5_5_inch_CCS_pads.jpg


For removing swirls out of gel-coat you're going to want the yellow or orange cutting pads and for any light polishing or machine waxing the white colored polishing pads.

For extra soft and gentle waxing of a dark finish you could go with the blue pads in either pad design.






I have two dragboats, so they arent nearly as bad as what most of you see out there I bet. They get used once a week, for a few hours for the whole summer. So they arent really oxidized or anything like that.


Mine is a 1986 Eliminator Daytona (blues and white gel), and my Dads is a 2007 Cheyenne (black and blues gel).



A father/son passion for fast boats... very cool...




On the Daytona, its just a little faded and swirled, and the Cheyenne is just a little swirled.




If the fading and swirls are light you can probably get away with a one-step cleaner/wax like the Marine All-In_one Gel Coat Polish & Wax. This has light cutting or polishing ability and leaves behind excellent protection at the same time.

[mcderns]

Cool thanks. Do you think its overkill to do 3 steps? The gelcoat gloss + color restore, final step polish then carnuba wax and seal?

[Mike Phillips]

Cool thanks. Do you think its overkill to do 3 steps? The gelcoat gloss + color restore, final step polish then carnuba wax and seal?


Yes, I kind of think this would be overkill...

It's a good practice to always use the least aggressive product to get the job done.

For garage kept performance boats like yours, usually a quality one-step product works great for removing the most recent wear-n-tear while maintaining the show room new look.

My favorite boats to buff out are performance boats just because,

A: They're cool.
B: They're easy.

The larger the boat, the more time and effort to buff them out unless they are still in like new condition or brand new.

Just to make sure, you're positive the entire finish on both goats are gel-coat? That is no one has ever painted these hulls? Even just the topside?


:)

[Nick]

Cool thanks. Do you think its overkill to do 3 steps? The gelcoat gloss + color restore, final step polish then carnuba wax and seal?

Sometimes 3 steps are necessary.

Each step and its corresponding product is designed to improve the appearance of your gel coat. So yes, 3 steps are definitely necessary if the condition of your boat calls for it, and here's why:

Gel Coat Gloss & Color Restorer will remove moderate oxidation and surface staining, restoring the shine and luster to the underlying finish. Gel Coat Final Step Polish will further refine the surface, maximizing color and gloss while feeding the gel coat essential oils. Last, but certainly not least, Gel Coat Carnauba Wax + Sealant will lock in the shine while providing durable, long-lasting protection. All three products are essential for complete and proper gel coat restoration.

I think Mike will agree when I say....POST BEFORE AND AFTER SHOTS! :fishing1:

[mcderns]

Just to make sure, you're positive the entire finish on both goats are gel-coat? That is no one has ever painted these hulls? Even just the topside?


:)

Yup, 100% sure. My dad bought the Cheyenne brand new, and we are the 3rd owners of the Daytona and have had it for 15 years or so.

Sometimes 3 steps are necessary.

Each step and its corresponding product is designed to improve the appearance of your gel coat. So yes, 3 steps are definitely necessary if the condition of your boat calls for it, and here's why:

Gel Coat Gloss & Color Restorer will remove moderate oxidation and surface staining, restoring the shine and luster to the underlying finish. Gel Coat Final Step Polish will further refine the surface, maximizing color and gloss while feeding the gel coat essential oils. Last, but certainly not least, Gel Coat Carnauba Wax + Sealant will lock in the shine while providing durable, long-lasting protection. All three products are essential for complete and proper gel coat restoration.

I think Mike will agree when I say....POST BEFORE AND AFTER SHOTS! :fishing1:

I think I am going to buy all 3 and do some test spots and see what works. I would hate to get started and have what I need on hand to do it right. I'll for sure try to remember to get some progress pics. Thanks for the help guys!