Gel Coat Revitalization

[samuri33]

I have a deposit on a 2004 Cobalt 262 that is solid Navy blue with yellow strip. There is some oxidation on the starboard side that I need to see if it can be sanded out. Can anyone comment on the likelihood this can be sanded out and brought back to life. If anyone can share contact info with a rock star gel coat miracle worker that I can talk to this week, I really need the advice before moving forward with this boat. TIA

[akorcovelos]

Not sure where you're located, any good marine detailer should be able to get oxidation out of gel coat. Pictures would help us see how bad it is. It has to be pretty bad to require wet sanding versus cutting compounds and a buffer.

[tgrace98]

I have a deposit on a 2004 Cobalt 262 that is solid Navy blue with yellow strip. There is some oxidation on the starboard side that I need to see if it can be sanded out. Can anyone comment on the likelihood this can be sanded out and brought back to life. If anyone can share contact info with a rock star gel coat miracle worker that I can talk to this week, I really need the advice before moving forward with this boat. TIA

I doubt it even needs to be sanded, a good buffing and the oxidation will probably take it out. I’d hit it with some 3m rubbing compound with a wool pad. Then hit it with 3m finesse-it, and then a good boat wax. She will shine like new.

[samuri33]

Thanks Guys, below is a video of the boat. The fading\oxidation is mostly on the starboard side when you watch the video. Tell me what you think!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tTarW7uXP8

[akorcovelos]

That doesn't look like oxidation, that looks like someone with no business running a buffer detailed the boat. You can see the swirl marks. A skilled detailer will be able to buff most of that with just a 3 stage buffing. The stain under the fuel tank vent may be a different story, that might need some sanding to get the damaged gel layer off.

This is a boat I would definitely pay the few hundred bucks to have a survey done. It's been laid up for years without use. If it wasn't properly prepared for long term storage there could be gremlins hiding all over the place from engine internal corrosion to electrical issues from moisture or rodents.

I looked at a 252 that was racked for a year and when I opened the oil fill cap and ran my fingers along the inside it was caked with rust.

beautul boat, worth the price for a good survey, and plan for a $600-800 multi stage buff and wax. I'd also make sure they replace the Cobalt letters, those aren't cheap.

[ajcampen]

Find the t550 tread and see his before and after pics

[Ytmsn]

Good advice akro.
I used to own a 240 that was way worse than that. I could write my name in the chalk. Wet sanded and buffed, and it came out like new. It'll just take some elbow grease ,or as akro says, a little coin and it'll be fine.

If it were mine, I'd do it myself with a quality orbital buffer and some 3m compound followed by a course of swirl remover. Then use your buffer for wax on and wax off.

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[jhnmdahl]

Low man on the totem pole took a buffer to it and left a handful of swirl marks (as well as some compound around the badges, etc). It looks to be in pretty good shape, and I doubt you'd need to touch it with sandpaper to get it back to smooth and shiny.

There are some threads here on buffers, and tons on youtube about how to use them and avoid swirls or other problems - not too hard if you do just a bit of research first. A little 3M Perfect-It (https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/ ... 7497&rt=r3) and you should be in business.

John

[tgrace98]

yup, I will agree with everyone else. With it being at a dealership they probably sent their porter out there with a buffer to give it a wash and wax and he just made things worse. If you aren't familiar with buffing gel coat I would look for a reputable boat detailing place to do a good 3 stage buff, swirl remover, and wax to bring her back to life.

[samuri33]

Thank you everyone, you all are awesome with all the help and advise. Can wait to get down there next week to see her. I'll keep you all posted!

[Wes]

I have used Meguiar’s Fiberglass Restoration system with great results. It’s a three step process, a lot of work, but it works.

[Big Block Power]

Thank you everyone, you all are awesome with all the help and advise. Can wait to get down there next week to see her. I'll keep you all posted!

Tomorrow is the big day. Can't wait to hear the report.

[samuri33]

Wanted to give my friends on Cobalt Chat an update on my gel coat revitalization. Have had our 262 since December 2018. We knew when we bought her the gel needed some love. Finally found someone we could trust to take a sander to her . The process they used was;
1. Dry sanded with 600 grit
2. Compounded
3. Polished
4. Waxed twice.
We are very happy with the results. We never knew the true color of the blue and yellow was until this work was done. The colors are much more deep and bold. They did the same four steps above the rub rail and on the inside. Overall, extremely happy with the shine! Love to hear what others pay for this type of work in their areas.

[JTinMO]

Looks good! Need to get some badging back on the sides though. Looks a little naked as is.

Did you attack the wood yet?

[AsLan7]

.
She turned out gorgeous S33! Well worth the money (although I’m surprised he didn’t do the teak). Easy item to touch up and put the look over the top.

Can’t wait to meet up when you bring her back to Erie in June!

.