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April 2017 78 Find Us On Facebook at Boating On The Hudson
Dave Weakley is the owner of American Boat Restoration and has been helping
Northeastern boaters keep their boats in fine trim and good repair for over 40 years.
Dr. Gel
by Dave Weakley
Ask
2006 • Over a Decade with Dr. Gel • 2017
“Email me or call me with your questions! I’ll be happy to help you out”
americanboatrestoration.com / email: / Office: 413.665.7424 / Cell: 518.577.7799
Here are some helpful tips to get you going on the annual
preparation and cleaning projects that are routine rites
of spring!
Out of storage finally!
Remove the winter cover /canvas or shrink wrap
Once the cold season is over and milder temperatures
arrive it’s time to pull the storage cover off your boat.
March sun feels pretty warm! April and May temps
can really heat up the inside of a shrink wrap boat. To
prevent mold stains and the smell of gas, it’s important
to get that wrap off and cover your boat with your
canvas or at least slit open areas of shrink wrap very
carefully allowing ventilation!
Time to clean
Get out the hose, cleaning buckets and gloves!
Fiberglass boats need to have a good surface
protection so that algae, dirt, grime and critters can’t
adhere to the gelcoat. Spring clean with a good marine
“boat wash” or “boat soap” - 3M, Seachoice, Starbrite,
Marykate, etc. are brands to consider. They are mild
detergents which should not remove the sealer glaze
and wax. You can use Spray-nine, Fantastic, or On-Off,
etc. They are all good cleaners, won’t damage your
gelcoat, but they will eventually remove the protection
your boat should have such as sealer glaze and wax. The
boat will be like a magnet if the defense is removed.
1. Spray and then wash your boat down with your
boat wash.
2. Compound the gelcoat using top quality
Marine products. See more info about proper
compounding techniques further in this article.
3. Apply a good coat of marine sealer glaze being
careful to completely cover the gelcoat.
4. Next apply a high-quality marine UV protecting
wax.
5. After you apply an ample coat of sealer glaze and
wax the boat should not get the stubborn stains and
grime.
6. Clean your boat often during the season by using
the “Boat Wash” and don’t hesitate to wax it regularly
throughout the season. Protect your gelcoat like you
protect yourself from sunburn
Spring into action!