Need Detailing Advice

[Protip]

We just got a new to me 220 and it is in need a a good detail inside and out. Can anyone give me some advice on what all I need to do the job? There is dock rash on the port side that goes right through the registration numbers. I would like to remove the numbers and do what I can to clean up that rub mark then replace with new numbers. Also there are some spots on my seats where the outside of the bolster rubs the vinyl that is starting to tear. What can I do to prevent that from getting worse? I can do the detailing in the slip or on the trailer so it doesn't need to be biodegradable products. Bonus points for links to the supplies you use to do your boat.

[jhnmdahl]

I'd definitely pull the numbers off if they are scuffed. As for cleaning it up, I have a random orbit Porter Cable 7424 that I like well enough, although people more serious than I like the Flex brand one that's not random orbital but a true double action.

You'll need to select the foam pads based on how aggressive you want to be, and get some buffing/polishing compound in various grits - I like 3M but there's a lot of love for Meguiars too. Autogeek.net is a good resource to find examples of quality products, or you can just pick up a starter package like https://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp-boat.html or https://www.chemicalguys.com/Flex_XC_34 ... uf703x.htm and be on your way (most of the stuff is usable on your cars too).

And, be sure to post before and after pictures!

[Ytmsn]

Protip this topic has been covered extensively down below in several threads. . From gel coat maintenance to vinyl cleaning and repair to bilge cleaning and buffing. Spend some time reading if you haven't already. Then if you have more questions fire away! Just be sure to take before and after pictures. We like pictures here!

Its really just choosing your product. 3m is good as well as Adams Polish, Maguires, Starbright and Bio Clean. You just have to pick one and go to work. Use a 100% wool pad, or you can use the blue, orange and white foam pads for buffing. On the inside use what ever vinyl cleaner you pick and a magic eraser. And elbow grease. Cobalts gel coat is legendary so it'll clean up and come back. And there's lots of YouTube videos to help you along.

Several of us here have brought Cobalts back from... a bad place. Chalky gel coat, cracked and chipped gel coat, rips, tears and stains in the vinyl, and total restorations. It looks like your boat is in pretty good shape so it's going to basically be a hard detail and polish and you'll be good to go.

[thunder550]

...bilge cleaning and buffing

Yt can you show me how to buff my bilge?

[Ytmsn]

Your bilge is unbuffable. Buffproof. No buffy fo yo bilgie. Buffunobtainable.

[Big Block Power]

Nice you bilge buffing fools.

[thunder550]

You can get in on this too if you want, we can be a batch of bilge buffers.

[Protip]

Protip this topic has been covered extensively down below in several threads. . From gel coat maintenance to vinyl cleaning and repair to bilge cleaning and buffing. Spend some time reading if you haven't already. Then if you have more questions fire away! Just be sure to take before and after pictures. We like pictures here!

Its really just choosing your product. 3m is good as well as Adams Polish, Maguires, Starbright and Bio Clean. You just have to pick one and go to work. Use a 100% wool pad, or you can use the blue, orange and white foam pads for buffing. On the inside use what ever vinyl cleaner you pick and a magic eraser. And elbow grease. Cobalts gel coat is legendary so it'll clean up and come back. And there's lots of YouTube videos to help you along.

Several of us here have brought Cobalts back from... a bad place. Chaulky gel coat, cracked and chipped gel coat, rips, tears and stains in the vinyl, and total restorations. It looks like your boat is in pretty good shape so it's going to basically be a hard detail and polish and you'll be good to go.

You are right, sorry I had just seen so many different options I was feeling a bit overwhelmed lol. I think I have mostly decided on the boat bling cleaner and protectant for the interior. The outside is a little more complicated because I need to buy the tools to do it not just the chemicals. I figure both of the packages linked earlier in the thread are a good bet, but I don't really know if I need all of that stuff. I am inclined to just spend more money on the better Flex polisher, but feel like I may not need all of the pads that kit comes with.

[Big Block Power]

If it's chalky your going to need a rotary buffer. Wool pad and heavy cut 3m compound. If it's not dull and just needs touch up then the flex will do a good job. I never used the boat bling cleaner, I'm a bio kleen guy. I bought the boat bling conditioner. How is your bilge? Clean?
Do you have removable carpet? Pictures of the interior would be nice.

[Protip]

If it's chalky your going to need a rotary buffer. Wool pad and heavy cut 3m compound. If it's not dull and just needs touch up then the flex will do a good job. I never used the boat bling cleaner, I'm a bio kleen guy. I bought the boat bling conditioner. How is your bilge? Clean?
Do you have removable carpet? Pictures of the interior would be nice.

I don't think it is chalky. Hard to tell with it still being dusty from winter. Was waiting to clean it up until I get my trailer tagged next week, but I may go out and wipe it down this weekend just to see what I am working with. The bilge is very clean. Yes, it has snap-in carpet. I will get some more pictures this weekend when I go out to throw a drop light in it for the freezing weather.

[vans]

My 220 was in need of attention when I bought it, I used
Dewalt Polisher, 3m Super Duty Rubbing Compound, with white wool pad,
Followed with 3m Finesse-it Glaze, yellow wool pad
then I waxed with PC 7424
when you pull your numbers you will easily be able to determine your level of oxidation

The Flex wasn't on market when I bought my tools or I would have one, heard a lot of good things.

[Big Block Power]

Yea klennop tried his flex on his boat and it didn't touch it. It really depends how bad it is. His doesn't look that bad but the dual action doesn't get down and dirty with it. You may need a rotary. I think I would get both styles and go from there. And a 6 in sander in case you have to wet sand. Just makes it go faster. Good advise from vans though.

[Protip]

So it isn't chalky at all. When I wiped it down I just used water and it still had wax on it. Any suggestions on what to do about the small nicks in the pic?

20180414_145005.jpg

20180414_145115.jpg

[jhnmdahl]

Evercoat makes a cheap gel coat repair kit you can get at a lot of places (like West Marine), and a kit of colorants too if your color is off-white. I've used it plenty to make repairs to rock gouges on my fiberglass kayak and it works well although repairs are generally still spottable.

A simple step-by-step is at:

https://www.boatingmag.com/how-to-repai ... oat#page-5

If you have bigger gouges or dings, this is a pretty good introduction to a more sophisticated repair:

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/u ... ?docId=257

[Big Block Power]

You can get gel coat color matched paste from spectrum. I love the stuff. I have the evercoat too but it's not a exact match and it drys hard as Heck. How deep are they. Can you just sand them out. The gel is think in some spots. Hard to tell from your pictures.