93 Fiesta Vee 260 - Newb question on surface care, repairs, cleaning,bottompain

[cdm0079]

Forgive the silly questions. I have a 93 Fiesta Vee 260 - I have some scratches and gouges in the surface, I want to fill and repair, additionally I'm also replacing some decals.


1. Is this gelcoat? Fiberglass? Clearcoat? What kind of surface is this? What can I use to safely clean, repair this. All the products say use X if it's gelcoat, X for fiberclass, or not safe for X surfaces?

2. What products can I use to fill gouges (small), and remove/fill minor scratches?

3. I'm replacing old faded decals with new ones of different styles, when I remove these I see fades in the fiberglass/coating, what can I do to minimize those so the new decal won't look like crap?

4. Wax, polishing - how often? What do I use based on this surface?

5.  I need to re-do bottom paint, based on this model, any special brand? I see there are various types out there, which type would I need? The old coating is the rub off type, ie it slowly wears off.

6. My motor is also loosing paint/coating in some places. I've cleaned it all up, should I touch up/repair this before putting it in the water for the year? What do I use on the motor? Special paint?



Thanks for help, I use to own a pontoon, so this is my first cabin cruizer and since it's not aluminum i'm a bit confused :)

[Vuja De]

Your hull is gelcoat.

For surface scratches a rotary buffer and some rubbing compound should do the trick.
I use Buff Magic and it works well on minor scratches.  You may need something more aggressive if the scratches are larger.  This should also work for your decal marks.

Like I stated above, I use buff magic and finish with Pro Polish one time a year with great results.
If you choose a different product(s), make sure they are for boats only.  Do not use car wax or polish.

Gel coat is tough to match color wise, so I've always paid to have it done right. 

I don't have bottom paint, but I am sure someone will respond with a good product for you to use.

Good luck. 

PS.   Here is a video link for a review of buff magic and pro polish.  It will give you an idea of the result you can expect.   http://www.boattest.com/products/Product-test.aspx?id=25