Need some detailing help.....

[2kwik4u]

I didn't wax the boat last year at all. This spring I washed it down real good and it looked shiny enough that I didn't wax it this year either. I can tell it needs something to keep it from chalking up by next season.

There are a couple spots where I can see the waterline on the fiberglass. What can I use to take this off? Do I need to "buff" it before I do that or can I just use a cleaner and then re-wax over the top of it to restore the shine and protect the fiberglass. Will a clay bar take this off? Can I do it on the trailer or should I block the boat up and get the trailer out from under it to make sure it gets good and clean?

Can someone help point me in the right direction on getting some cleaner/wax? All my car buddies have told me that Zaino works wonders on automotive finishes, and they probably have something that will work for the gel coat. Is there anything special about the gelcoat as compared to an automotive base/clear finish that I should worry about?

I might head out to grandads tonight and get some pictures of the "rough" areas and see what you guys think. It's really not that bad overall, but the waterline marks have me a little concerned. I defiantly want to make it's protected before it goes in for storage, and will probably be asking the same questions again next spring on how to prep it for the season.

[Talon]

I'll be that some simple green or marine hull cleaner from West Marine will remove the scumline. After that, get some MARINE wax to do the whole hull. Don't use automotive wax, they are made with different goals in mind.

[artventurer]

Mike, when I had my Larson, I would get the waterline mark.
What I used to take it off, was called On/Off.
It is available in marine stores, MaryKate is the manufacturer.
It is basically acid, follow the directions, works great, works the same way bleach makes mildew disappear.
A clay bar wil not take it off.
While you're there get a good marine wax, there are a few specifically with your purpose in mind, to remove light chalking, and give a good shine and protection.
Do not use automotive wax, different make-up for a different animal.
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=2339
This is so you can see  what the bottle looks like.
Happy cleaning... a clean boat is a happy boat!

[Dream 'Inn]

I'll second the on/off.  I actually use muratic acid mixed 50/50 with water now.  FSR is also really easy to use and you won't have that acid issue.  For a one time use or here and ther maybe you want to try FSR.  If you use one of the acid solutions, just watch it around the trailer (if you have a nicely painted one or galvanized one )

[bhoff]

2kwik,

I use Starbrite's  "Hull Cleaner".  You can get it at any marina or Wal Mart boat section.  It is a mild acid.  This acid can be applied by hand with a sponge and rubber gloves. You can do it on the trailer, just make sure you wash off the acid and don't leave it laying on the trailer.  If there is a heavy growth and the color comes back, but the texture (fine grit sandpaper feeling) remains on the hull, go to the local hardware store and get some muratic acid.  This stuff is much more powerful so be very careful.  I recommend applying this with a sprayer so that you don't get any on your skin.  Still wear gloves and eye protection.  It is possible to get acid burns on your skin and if you breathe the pure vapor you will think that your lungs are bleeding (trust me, first hand experience speaking).....I have used both of these methods this year and they work great with no damage to the gel coat.    The Starbrite will most likely be all you need.  My boat sat in the water from April to July which is why I needed the heavier acid.  The local marina wanted $300 to do this work!!!!  Both methods will remove the wax, so like Talon said get some marine wax and do the entire hull.  The maine wax is easily 2-3 times more expensive that automotive waxes, but from what I understand the marine wax has a much higher UV resistance that automotive wax. 

Let me know if you need any more specifics on the acid - one other thing, it will lilghten your concrete driveway where you do the work.  So if you're doing it at someone else's house make sure they are aware of that.  It will also kill the grass where the acid comes into contatct.

If your gel coat is still chalky after that it can be buffed out and will look like a showroom boat when finished.  I have never done this, however I know of someone who goes from marina to marina in Cincy and will do the entire boat for $500 (24 foot cuddy) so your 180 should be something less.  He won't tell us what he uses, but he spent 3 days on my friend's boat for $500 and the result was amazing.  I would imagine your local marina could give you some advice on the polishing.

[2kwik4u]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to Wal-Mart tonight for unrelated supplies, and will look for some Starbrite while I'm there. I like stuff I can pick up anywhere. I'm a little concerned though as the "scum line" doesn't feel rough at all. It's nice and smooth just like the rest of the gel-coat. It's just kind of a "brown" color. I'm sure it comes from docking around downtown where all the river debris isn't well washed out by the current. Is the hull cleaner still going to work even though there's nothing "sticking above" the finish?!?!

I'll also drop by the LBS (Local Boat Store :D) and see what kind of Marine Wax they have sitting around. Do they make a "cleaner wax" for the marine environment? Or do I need to run the hull cleaner over the entire boat first, and then just wax over that to remove what little bit of chalk I have on there!?!

Any thoughts on removing it from the trailer to make sure I get ALL the spots (including under the bunks)?!?!

[Babyboomer]

One Step Cleaner Wax
http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+WAX+16

Keep these around Mr. Clean Magic Eraser just re wax the spots you rub off
http://www.mrclean.com/en_US/sharethelove/readreviews.do?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Mr.%2BClean%2BMagic%2BEraser&utm_campaign=MagicEraser&gclid=CIbjwo_Z-ZUCFQZinAodgCMxFg

They are cheaper at the Dollar Store

[Dream 'Inn]

Mike, no need to worry.  I get the brown all the time that looks like it is in the gelcoat. I have no bottom paint cause I keep it on a lift.  It literally comes right off when I spray the 50/50 mix of muratic acid and water (just make sure to mix it the right way).  I get a gallon of it at Home Depot for a few bucks, has lasted me for a couple years and still have some.  On/off will do the same thing, just a bit more expensive.  Just spray it on though, that is really the simplest.  Take a spray nozzle from an old cleaning bottle at home (that you don't need any more) and stick it in the on/off one.  I've never used the starbrite, so can't back it up.  But if it has the acid in it, it will work the same way.  But honestly, a cheap gallon of muratic acid, mixed in another bottle with water, does work great. 

Anything you use though, just be a bit more careful...you may also want to wear a cheap mask (I don't, but hey, I need to say it).

[2kwik4u]

Thanks for the links to the cleaner/wax one step stuff. Looks exactly like what I need.

What is the proper acid/water mixing technique? Is that stuff gonna explode on me if I don't do it right? Whats the purpose of mixing one way as opposed to the other?

Thanks again for the help. Looks like we have one or two more trips this year before it gets time to put the boat away for the winter. Probably wait another couple weeks before I get anything done on it. I'll be sure to post some before/after pictures as well. I'm seriously considering taking the boat off the trailer for both winter storage, and for cleaning.

[artventurer]

Mike, not to worry, nothing is going to explode....
The worst that could happen is you melt the sides of the boat down.........
Just kidding..... you don't have to the lab coat out.....just the same concept as the bleach in laundry thing.
You wouldn't dump the whole gallon into one load of laundry, no need for that much. Just use the mixing instructions as a guideline, you;ll be fine. If the line dosen't start to disappear, go a little stronger.... if the gelcoat goes down the driveway, add a little more water. 

My wife says that I'm my own best audience.  I wonder what she means by that?

[bniez]

I use a product called Iron Out that you can purchase at Home Depot.  It seems to be less abrasive than On/Off and is also less expensive.  I mix about 3/4 cup with water and spray it on with a 2 gallon pump sprayer.  The stain just drips off the hull.

http://www.summitbrands.com/brands/ironout.aspx