05-11-2008
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Junior Member
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Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 25
Rep Power: 0
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Vicious cycle
After 4 yrs on hard, I am cleaning my boat to go back in the water. It's an 85 Catalina 30 TRBS. Eight yrs ago, I did a 1000/1200 sandpaper job followed by buffing, polishing and waxing. My arms about fell off but it looked great.
The hull still looks good after 4 yrs of dirty rain and sitting. The problem eight yrs ago is the same as it is now. Although covered, the topside is filthy. I used an electric power washer to remove of a layer dirt but like before, I had to use Softscrub W/bleach and scrub to get it really clean.
No doubt, the fiberglass has microscopic pores allowing dirt to penetrate. This includes bird poo, especially after birds visit nearby blueberry fields. I realize bleach and hard scrubbing deteriorates the fiberglass and lets dirt go deeper but it's the only way to get it white. I'd love to polish the deck, even use fine sandpaper or a buffer, like I did on the hull. However, most of the deck is non skid. It's not the gritty non skid, but rather the molded pyramids like the bottom of a bathtub.
The question is how to stop the cycle of cleaning with bleach which makes dirt go deaper, requireing more bleach, etc, etc.
I bought some stuff called "Nu Glass" a few years ago but have not used it. Today, I bought a bottle of StarBrite Non skid cleaner which has something called "PTF" that is supposed to seal the fiberglass. If it ever stops raining, I will check it out but won't know for sure until it gets dirty and sits in the sun for a while between going out. Depending on how it works or any feedback here, I may apply the Nu Glass.
If anyone has a thoughts on how to get past this vicious cycle, please let me know.
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