Maintenance tips

[Old Forum]

Ben Fraser
Username: Ben_fraser

Registered: 10-2008
   
Posted on Monday, June 21, 2010 - 04:36 pm:      
Hi everyone. I hope your all enjoying your winklebrigs. I'm giving Mudlark a mid season tidy before the scottish traditional boat festival this weekend. The down side of this is that I notice all the wee scrapes, scratches and stains on the topsides and deck. Anyone got any pointers or trade secrets for keeping the hull clean or returning a tired hull to its former glory? I'm currently using soapy water, high strength stain remover and 'gel coat restorer and wax', with average results.

[Old Forum]

Martin_cartwright
Username: Martin_cartwright

Registered: 04-2008
   
Posted on Monday, June 21, 2010 - 05:56 pm:      
I use a Rupes mechanical polisher with '3M Marine Finesse-it 11 Finishing Material'.This is mild cutting agent like 'T-cut' for cars and is used extensively in the boatyards commercially.

Having tried elbow grease for many years I have come to the conclusion that a mechanical polisher is the only way. It is much quicker and you get much better results even though the initial capital outlay is quite high (£200ish).I have had mine for 5 years so far and I think it will see me out so it is not a bad long term investment. (You might be able to hire one from a local tool hire shop?).

[Old Forum]

Julian Swindell
Username: Julian_swindell

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 09:29 am:      
I am from the school of thought that says "real" boats are ones with lots of "wee scrapes, scratches and stains". Learn to love them!