best fiberglass restorer?

[ratherBfishin]

Hey All,

Last year, I sorta inherited a 16'7" '77 Century Raven 180. I already love it and have begun to bring it back to life as it was in storage for the last several years.

I have been thinking about restoring the fiberglass finish if that is really possible. I don't believe the claims that the products make and I was hoping that some of you have tried some and can lend some advice. My boat is red and white and it is the white area that seems to have faded the worse. Before I wash, wax and teflon coat her, is there any thing I can do to bring back her original shine? When I was at West Marine over the week-end, one of their eimployees suggested a kit that cost about $70. Please give me the benefit of your experiences! Thanks in advance!

[Burksee]

Have heard good things about there products. Skeeter, who's a member here is associated with them. Check this thread for more info.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35632&highlight=Larsen

or..........
http://chartermi.net/~skeeter185/index.htm

[Jason Adam]

I picked up some stuff last year, i'd have to look at the bottle, but I'm pretty sure it was 3M fiberglass restorer and wax. Not really sure. I got it at west marine. I had put some scratches in my gelcoat while installing my arch and this stuff buffed it right out with a hand towel. It was about 12-15 bucks for a good sized bottle at west marine. I'm not sure if its still true, but at the time, if the product didnt do the job, you could return it to WM for a full refund or exchange.

[ratherBfishin]

The white finish on my boat is almost chalky. I would definitely classify it medium to heavily faded. Thanks.

[keducation]

I have always used HEAVY DUTY Oxidation Remover for restoring my green
and white Sea Ray. It works well but needs touch up as the season goes
on....I generally touch up once in July and once in August....

After oxidizing until it looks like new, I coat with McQuires wax.
I find McQuires cost more but lasts longer and does a better job.

[Ranger Ray]

I'm pretty sure it was 3M fiberglass restorer and wax.I would say between the 3M and McGuire’s it is a tie. The formulas for heavy oxidation will work. If it is on the heavy oxidation side you need to use a wheel. You will have to follow up again about half way thru summer like Keducation said to keep the gloss. If you want to keep the gloss permanently you need to get it clear coated.

[TONGA]

can you get us some nice close up pics of the finish on the old boat,,often with a boat that old the oxidation has all but took out the gell coat all together and short of paint or a re-gell there may be no hope,,,if you really wan't to bring her back to her former glory pick up a copy of "Runabout Renovation" by "Jim Anderson" and give it a read,it will give you an idea of what you may be getting into
You can order it online just do a serch and you will find it about $17
Also if you would still like more info shoot me a PM and I will hook you up

[Skeeter]

I do handle some pretty good stuff if I don't say so myslef. In your case I would say Restore would help you out. Using it on a regular basis would help in cutting down on water deposits and help from getting that weathered and faded look also. www.larsensales.com for all your cleaning products needs. Thanks guys for your kind words on thesed products. Skeeter

[Bucket-Back]

Sometimes on heavy oxidation boats you can wet-sand with 600 & 800 grit before using a heavy compound to jump start the process,just try not to sand through
the gel-coat.Once you compound & polish,apply a good U V wax after and a couple more times during the summer.Waxing to protect shine is easier than trying to bring it back.3M & Meguiars are quality products,but will investigate L&L Products

[Skeeter]

Ratherbefishing where do you live??? Skeeter