Fender scuffs on dark blue hull gel coat

R

RangerLove

Member
Joined
Dec 1, 2020
Messages
24
Fluid Motion Model
C-288 C
Hi TugNutters!

We are early in our love affair with our sweet R29, and new to this community.

There are some fender scuff/rub areas on the hull gel coat that I’d like to give some attention to.

Has anyone on here had any good results on gel coat scuffing (isolated in 2 or 3 areas). I’m open to any suggestions, products, approaches etc. Given that the rest of the gel coat is in great condition, I don’t want to repaint, but would like to be targeted in my approach if possible.

Thank you in advance.
 
3M Finesse-It did a pretty good job on New Moon's dark green hull.
 
That should clean up your scuffing. Once you've got it looking good you might think about protection in those fender areas. We had the issue because were are tight in the boathouse and there are a couple of areas near the bow where hanging fenders against the rubrail is not practical. We are now more than 2 years since we installed a couple of 12 x 18 pieces of 3M film in these areas. See https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/ ... 370&rt=rud. Each piece was about $40 and we installed them ourselves without issue. They blend in perfectly and have never been noticed unless pointed out. They have certainly seen more than their fair share of abuse with wind rocking the boat in the boathouse nd show now sign of wear.

As an aside, before we did this we were considering 'socks' for fenders. We talked with a local detailer who grinned and said they were great business generators for him. In salt water the combination of accumulated salt and moisture make a perfect grinding paste. Absent the protective film or in other areas for temporary fenders he recommended keeping fenders clean and applying 301 protectant to them, making sure that you wipe off any excess to avoid the same 'paste' problem.

Hope this is of general interest.
 
Here at premier custom ceramic coating, We use a rotory buffer with a heavy compound followed up with a polishing compound and a orbital buffer. If the scratches are to deep we will wet sand with 1000 grit wet and dry first. We have just come out with a clear self healing film to protect the area from scratching again. If you have any interest or more questions p m me. Thanks Kevin, R23 My Way
 
Just for clarification, I have no connection, either directly or indirectly with 3M and stand to have no financial gain from recommending the use of their products. I learned about the film from its use to protect against stone chips on cars. My comments are not intended to be advertising. Just wanted to be clear.
 
We have had three Ranger Tugs. The Laurie Ann had a dark green hull and now, our Trilogy has a dark blue one. We did the Great Loop in Andiamo, a Ranger 29 that had a lighter colored hull. Dark hulls have need more maintenance.

We have used a variety of products and techniques hoping for an easier fix than what is typically required: The physical labor of using rubbing compound to remove the scruffs and scratches. Do not worry about rubbing through the gelcoat. The rubbing compound will not come close. I advise to NOT use a machine. Using a power buffer takes practice and to learn the right technique. Machine use is easy to make the finish way worse if done wrong. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Use the rubbing compound by hand and you will have all the control you need.

I have had to use the tug to push logs out of the way (long story) and the scrapes and scratches came out with rubbing compound. The deeper ones came out with 1200 grit, then 2000 grit, then 4,000 grit wet and dry sand paper. Then, heavy and medium rubbing compound. Gouges that penetrated the gelcoat were repaired by filling it with color matched gelcoat and doing the above process.

Doing it all by hand is good for the soul.
 
Since the Purchase of our Dark blue colored hull removing fender scuffs is a yearly challenge and part of my yearly maintenance list. When we punched the boat I wanted to order a White hull (Much easier to maintain) My wife wanted the Blue hull with white boot line. I must admit it is a nice looking combination and we get compliments where ever we go. This comes with a price. The one thing I have come to know is no matter how much I clean the fenders, wrap the fenders, tie the boat with twice the lines needed to keep it off the dock the hull is going to get scuffed from fenders.

We took a trip from Kentucky to Florida this fall. Before leaving I buffed the hull and removed all scuffs from the summer season. When we pulled the boat out and put it in storage in Florida. I spent a day buffing the hull again. After 10+ locks, docks, boats, pilings that we rafted to. Fenders high, low, side ways, up and down. The hull was once again scuffed.

I use a machine a Makita Sander/polisher multiple speed used on low speed. I use a product called Turbo Cut. This compound is aggressive but does a great job removing scratches in Gel and enhances any fade in gel. After removing the scratches and scuffs there will be some swirl marks. I use a product made by Marine 31 Gel Coat Final step Polish. This polish will remove the swirl marks and also enhance the gel and remove any moderate fade. I then seal the hull using the Marine 31 Wax and sealant. The results has been good for me.

There are all kinds of products that I have used over the years when detailing boats. Once you find the combination that works for you. The more you do it the more proficient you will become. If you have never used a machine I would advise going at it slow.Learn how the product works and the machine. Do sections at a time. I usually find that I will miss a few spots when I am done. I will go back and work those area's until the hull finish is all uniform.

When I am finished with the buffing and waxing I use Hybrid V07 Optical select High gloss sealant and quick detail for quick cleaning and detailing in between waxes to help maintain the shine.
( As Chimo stated I use Marine 31 and Hybrid V07. I'm just passing my choice no affiliation to it)
 
Check out the Surface Care & Detailing episode of the factory's As the Prop Turns video series. Marco is a member of the factory's customer service team and is a specialist this area.

Cheers,

Bruce
 
Folks,

I am truly honoured for the exceptional advice and insights that you have posted. I’ll work through these and form my plan of attack with them.

Thank you.
 
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