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Re: Lee tackles a faded blue Cobalt
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2024 12:16 pm
by AsLan7
Yes looks factory new!
Any haziness/cloudiness left that doesn’t show in the pics?
Re: Lee tackles a faded blue Cobalt
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2024 9:23 am
by sturge
AsLan7 wrote: Tue Nov 19, 2024 12:16 pm
Yes looks factory new!
Any haziness/cloudiness left that doesn’t show in the pics?
The "after" picture above was before I waxed it (see after wax pix below). If I really searched carefully in direct/bright sunlight at different angles, I can occasionally see some slight signs haze/cloudiness but for a 16 year old boat it's damn good. The blue is so much deeper/richer and the yellow accent line at bottom really pops.
This will be in the water (CT River) every year from early June to late Oct. I'm not into pulling it out mid season so I'm expecting it to need another "session" every fall. Probably one hit with the Perfect it EX AC followed by clean & wax, but who knows...maybe just a good clean/wax is all it will need?
Re: Lee tackles a faded blue Cobalt
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2024 12:40 pm
by billk2632
That looks good - great job! If my boat stayed outside I would invest in a cover with "skirts" to protect the hullsides from UV.
IMG_0911.jpeg
Re: Lee tackles a faded blue Cobalt
Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2024 10:40 am
by CBO
sturge wrote: Sun Nov 17, 2024 8:11 pm
Watched a bunch of his videos and some others to learn. Spent $500 on materials and just did my '08 252 which was in need of some love. Lots of work but it came out awesome basically following what Lee recommended.
Took some trial/error on sections to see what worked best for my oxidation but it was amazing how well it works once you figure it out. Ended up doing one round of 3M Super Duty, one round of 3M Heavy Cut. I never had to use the 3M Perfect It EX AC because it looked so good after the second round. I cleaned/degreased with Mothers CMX spray, then waxed with Meguires Flagship. Maybe next year I will try the FireGlaze.
Cleaned entire hull with Starbrite Hull cleaner. All buffing was with 9" double sided wool pad ($50) using Dewalt rotary ($199) that Lee recommended. Bought a "spur" to clean pads as needed ($7). Wax was applied using Harbor Freight Hercules Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher ($99) with a 6" foam pad ($20 for box of 3).
CobaltBeforeBuff.jpg
CobaltAfterBuff.jpg
FireGlaze is the only way to go, it lasts a lot longer than wax.
Re: Lee tackles a faded blue Cobalt
Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2024 5:43 pm
by sturge
CBO wrote: Sun Nov 24, 2024 10:40 am
FireGlaze is the only way to go, it lasts a lot longer than wax.
Will definitely try it after next season!
Re: Lee tackles a faded blue Cobalt
Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2025 7:14 pm
by Jimmy Buoy
Lee is a master at his craft. I've been polishing my own boats for over 30yrs - but was unable to get the desired results on my last boat (SeaRay 340 Amberjack). After getting my 2003 Cobalt 293 in BLUE - I decided to try and learn a new skillset from watching Lee's videos. After all, I've see some pretty disgusting dark hulled boats and was warned how difficult it would be to maintain. Applying new methods learned from Lee, I was absolutely pleased with the way my boat came up and I always get compliments on the gelcoat finish! The attached pic was at the END of the first season, so being outside at the dock for the summer.
IMG_5320.jpeg
Re: Lee tackles a faded blue Cobalt
Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2025 10:30 am
by Canterbury
Jimmy, that looks terrific for a 2003, nice job. Amazing how Cobalts will shine up vs other boats. Especially useful at the sandbar to check out the "reflections" of the surrounding talent.
I have a black 220 that looks terrific early in the summer but one side fades significantly on the lift. Bought the materials to create some side skirts 2 years ago and just need to kick my own @$# to get them completed.