Chalky Hull

[Scubajeep]

Hey all, I am nearing the final stages of fixing/cleaning my new to me hunter 23.5..... So far I have cleaned/painted below the waterline (10 years of sitting in salt water added about 1 inch if biofoul to the hull), fixed a broken window, removed the mold from inside, cleaned all seat cushions, new sheets, new haylards,.... etc....etc...

But I have noticed that the hull has chalky feel (a little white chalk rubs off on fingers when rubbing the hull). Can I just clean and wax the hull?

Thanks
Hubb

[sailingdog]

You should probably polish the hull before waxing it... The chalky stuff is oxidized gelcoat more likely than not... Halekai's the expert on restoring a chalky gelcoat to a near new state... Do a search on his username and polishing...

[sailingfool]

I've always like this article on the subject http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...ing-shine.html the increasing levels of work for a restorable hull are waxing, polishing and waxing, compunding and waxing, whichever is needed.

However if the boat is not white, you may remove the chalk but even with a whole lot of work you are not likely to bring the color back for more than a month or so, then the boat will again look chalky. Colored boats need to be painted to look good, period.

[Scubajeep]

Thanks for the replies,

I mainly would like to remove the "chalky" feel when touching the hull and deck. I'm leaning towards trying a waxing on the hull and deck. Hopefully it will remove the chalky feel and protect it for 1 summer.

Todd

[JimsCAL]

Two thoughts:
1. Waxing will not remove the chalkiness. You need to compound it.
2. Get a buffer. Trying to do it by hand alone is hopeless.

[JiffyLube]

I also suggest that you do a search for Halekai, as he really spelled out in one of the threads on what needs to be done in restoring and maintaining the topsides.

[yachty]

I have been redoing our boat and there is oxidation on a hull that has lots of gloss. The best way I know, and I have done this many times, is to clean the surface with soap and water. Remove stains and growth with oxalic acid or toiletbowl cleaner. Then with an orbital 5 or 6 inch sander polish the hull with a very fine grit sandpaper. If I have a chip or a stress crack, I repair and polish with 320 paper. Then I move to 600 discs for badly oxidized surfaces and finish with 1200-1500 grit discs for a beautiful surface. Using a buffer with a small pad and automotive type polishing compound you'll have an almost factory new finish.
With this method you'll remove almost no gelcoat and if necessary the whole procedure can be done again when needed. Gelcoat is much more foregiving than a two part paint and it is much easier to repair.

[halekai36]

Compounding & Polishing Tip's

[sailingdog]

Thanks Halekai.

[Sailormann]

My boat is not oxidized but the gelcoat has lost some of it's lustre. I have had fairly good results using 3M Restorer compound. It is a tan coloured goop with silica (I believe it's silica) and a wax in it.

I used an electric buffer. First season polished it while wet. Tried leaving it to dry this season. Big mistake. Had to spray the topsides with water to wet it. Then buffed it.

Boat shines up almost as good as new.