Presta Gel Coat Compound

Brian B

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 19, 2012
Messages
1,117
Fluid Motion Model
C-26
Hull Identification Number
FMLR2512L910
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Sold in 2021
Vessel Name
GANSETT RANGER (2010) Yanmar 4BY2-150
I've been busy getting my new to me blue hull R25SC ready for the season. The boat came from Fl where she baked in the sun for 2 years. I started off using 3M Marine Super Duty Rubbing Compound with an electric buffer, the oxidation came off but not the white blemishes in the gel coat, some of it looked like dried water spots that would just not come out.
The boat is in a boat yard and she draws a lot of attention. One guy who works in the yard stopped to check out the boat. He details boats in the yard for boat owners. He saw what I had just completed and noticed the blemishes in the gel coat. He told me to try Presta Gel Coat Compound (part no. 138532) a product that he uses all the time.
I went into the marina store and bought a bottle and went back to work redoing the hull. The results with this compound were amazing. The blemished area disappeared, 90% of what looked like water spots are gone. He told me those spots are caused by the sun baking the salt residue on the hull. They are more noticeable on darker hulls.
I then waxed the hull with Rejex, a product I've been using for a few years on my old boat that I highly recommend. The shine in the hull is now like a mirror.
The Presta is a bit tough to work with, only do a small area at a time. I found that by taking it off with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth worked well. Time consuming but the end result was worth it.
 
Thanks for the tip Brian B. If Presta Gel Coat Compound is not available to you another option for hard water spots is white vinegar. Simply pour on a clean towel and wipe one side. Let is sit for 10 minutes or so and wash off with soap and water. While this side is drying, do the other side. Return to the first side to see if any area needs re cleaned, as some water spots are tough to get out. If and when you use vinegar you'll be taking any wax off so the next step will be to wax the hull. I've cleaned my boats, that have been used in fresh and salt water, this way for 15 years with great success.

Jim F
 
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