got an old fishin boat

[mrlucky]

my girlfriends dad gave me his 1980 17' speed boat today for free. Its got a 75hp johnson on it and runs good. I thing isn't pretty at all though, it been sitting out in the elements for 3 years uncovered. My gf and i would like to restore the luster a bit but i haven't the slightest clue where to begin. i plan on re carpeting the interior and i want to restore the paint a bit so shes not so ugly. Any direction or advice would be greatly apperciated.

[waterfoul]

do you have a buffing wheel? If not, get yourself a good buffing wheel. I mean a lambs wool one... not a cheap foam or synthetic one. Trust me on this. Then get a good buffing compound and wheel out the finish. This alone will bring the boat back to a point you won't believe. After you've buffed it out good... use a good polishing/wax compound and you should have a new boat! I like the Meguires Marine products *(comes in blue bottles... you can get it at West Marine, Boaters world, Gander Mountain, and even Walmart I believe). They make a polishing wax that is a good product to use after you've buffed out the finish.

[mrlucky]

thanks for the info. Any suggestions for the flooring in the boat? Its fiberglass under the carpet. Its there an apoxi type glue for replaceing the carpet