DIY: Restore Your Boat's Finish in a Weekend

I love the shine of a new bass boat. While some folks are drawn to sports cars, I always do a double take at a new bass rig being towed down the highway. However, with the cost of a brand new, fully outfitted bass boat clearing six figures, investing in the upkeep of my existing rig seems the more fiscally responsible option for now.

The 2004 Skeeter ZX225 in my garage was once a sparking thing of beauty; however, days spent in the sun chasing bass together have aged both of us, evidenced by the sunspots on my skin and the severe oxidation to the metallic blue gelcoat on the boat. Once the oxidation began a few years ago, the haze advanced further and became more apparent each year, particularly on the horizontal surfaces of the top cap, with a general cloudiness overtaking the former luster.

While various polishes and waxes on the market offer to improve the appearance of an aging gelcoat, the haze lies beneath the surface, meaning a superficial wax won’t penetrate deep enough to restore the shine. The only way to correct the dull haze is to gently strip off some of the old, oxidized gelcoat by wet sanding the boat’s surface.

At first, I didn’t fully understand the process and quite frankly feared I would do more harm than good by scratching too deeply into the boat’s surface. However, once I thoroughly researched wet sanding and saw the subsequent transformation, I realized it was something I should’ve done years ago.

You can achieve the same results in restoring the luster to a tired and dull gelcoat, bringing back that sense of pride when backing your boat down the ramp and gaining the satisfaction of doing it all yourself. The wet-sanding process can easily be accomplished in the span of a weekend.

Though multiple refinishing products are available from various companies, I landed on an all-inclusive kit from Pro-Tec (protecproducts.com), a company that specializes in restoring luster to boats, RVs and automobiles. I ordered the Restoration Care Kit for $72.95, containing soap for washing the boat, multiple sheets of sandpaper (1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 grit), sealant polish, various waxes for maintaining shine once restored, applicator pads and microfiber towels.

STEP 1: WASH

The process begins with thoroughly washing the boat with a few splashes of Pro-Tec Wash and Gloss Soap plus an ounce of ammonia in a bucket of water to cut through any old wax build-up accumulated over the years. Once complete, immediately move on to the sanding stage.

STEP 2: WET SAND

Sanding is done in stages, moving from the coarsest to the finest sandpaper. The key to effective sanding is keeping the sandpaper wet and utilizing a “straight line” technique as you sand by hand. By not using a circular motion with the sandpaper, you’ll avoid creating swirls in the gelcoat that may be noticeable once the process is complete.

The wet-sanding process gradually removes thin layers of oxidized material from the boat’s finish. Should the sandpaper or gelcoat become dry during the sanding process, the grit will dig too deep and scar the thin gelcoat. Simply keep a bucket of water on hand to dip the sandpaper every few seconds as it begins to dry out. You can also sponge clean water onto the boat’s surface as needed.

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Work the 1,000-grit sandpaper along manageable 4- to 6-foot sections of the boat’s surface. Dirty, hazy water dripping to the floor shows that the sandpaper is gradually removing the oxidized gelcoat. Once the 1,000-grit work is complete, the sanding process continues with 1,500- and 2,000-grit applications. It is important to rinse the residue from the gelcoat before moving on to the next stage of sanding. Use a clean sponge to wash the boat after each stage. Throw the sponges away after using them in this process, as they will have grit embedded in the pores and will scratch the finish should you use them to wash your car or truck.

Take your time with each stage of sanding, remembering you can always remove more gelcoat if needed. Keep long, even strokes on the large surface areas, and gently work around decals or hardware should you leave them in place, as I did. Once you finish the three stages of wet sanding, dry the boat’s surface completely so no moisture is trapped during the next step.

STEP 3: MOISTURIZE

One might say this is where the magic happens, as the results of your work start to become more apparent. The Nu Paint Moisturizer begins to restore the luster and brings the color back to the gelcoat. Apply it in the shade or in a garage so the surface stays cool and the moisturizer doesn’t dry too quickly. Use a power buffer at approximately 2,000 rpm for the application, as though you are waxing a car.

Buffing will slightly heat the gelcoat and move the moisturizer material around to fill minor sanding scratches, leaving a smooth surface and restoring shine. After the product has set for 30 to 45 minutes, either wipe the surface down with a clean cloth or use a power buffer with a clean pad to reveal the transformed gelcoat. It should look virtually brand new.

STEP 4: WASH AGAIN

Once you have buffed and wiped down the entire surface, rewash the boat with the mild Pro-Tec soap, this time without ammonia. While it will appear that the transformation is now complete, and the results will be rewarding, don’t run to the lake just yet. You need to put a sealant over the newly exposed gelcoat.

STEP 5: APPLY SEALANT

Sealing the gelcoat with protective UV inhibitors prevents the oxidation process from happening all over again. Apply the sealant directly to the surface and rub it in with a new, clean applicator cloth; a buffer isn’t necessary for this step. Allow the sealant to set for 30 to 45 minutes, then remove it by simply wiping the surface with a clean cloth. A second coat 24 hours later is recommended to ensure thorough coverage across the gelcoat.

No matter the age of the boat or the level of oxidation, the process of wet sanding the gelcoat provides an incredible transformation to a tired and hazy fiberglass rig. The boat looks virtually new again, restores your pride of ownership and gives you a sense of satisfaction from the small investment of time and money to accomplish such a great result.

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• This article was featured in the February 2024 issue of Game & Fish Magazine. Click here to subscribe.