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**Detailing by M** · Jul 8, 2013, 07:33 AM

I've use M20 on boats / gel coat. NXT is similar to M20.
if I were you I would invest in something from the marine line maybe the cut compound or the AIO product. I believe its number 45.
most likely you won't have to do much but wax it.
As far as the interior goes I would just APC everything and house it out. there is a hole in the boat so use it. don't make it too complicated just keep it simple boats are really easy to work on and good money

**Michael Stoops** · Jul 8, 2013, 07:43 AM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

All of our automotive products are going to be safe on gel coat, but the real question is will they be up to the task? Gel coat tends to be much thicker, much harder, and much more porous than automotive paint so you may find that many of our auto products simply aren't aggressive enough. Of course the big variable here is the condition of the gel coat - if it's really badly oxidized and dried out you'll likely find M105 won't play well with it at all. If the gel is in tough shape you're best bet is to start with our M67 One Step Compound from our Marine/RV line. If the gel is in decent shape then M44 Color Restorer may be all that's needed. If working with a DA buffer this may be a time when the burgundy cutting pad is actually a good idea as the extra cut can be a huge benefit.

Do you have any info at all on the condition of this boat? Do you know it's age?

**Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing** · Jul 8, 2013, 11:33 AM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

Thank you both for you info. I'm still in contact with the owner of the boat to get make model and age. I might ry to stop by this evening and take pictures and see what condition it's in. I don't mind tackling something new like this if it's in decent condition already, but if it's really oxidized or worse, then I might pass on it.

I don't even know what kind of money to charge on it. I'll get that other needed info on condition etc and then post back. I go on vacartion the 11th through the 21st, so I won't be doing it anytime soon anyway. That will also give me time to buy a burgundy pad since I will be working with the DA.

**Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing** · Jul 8, 2013, 02:57 PM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

ok got back from looking at the boat. WHOLE different ballgame, lol. It's a 2002 Bass Pro Shop Bass Tracker Crappie Pro Aluminum boat. No fiberglass here. The interior is being trashed. I hate to pass up an op to prove my detailing skills, but when I'm not fully sure of what I can accomplish it tends to hold me back.

This also is a boat they are looking to sell, so they want it ready to sell shape. I'm sure I can do a decent job. Just not sure about the carpets, as Mario pointed out, use APC+ on all dash and seats, what about the carpets? they have mold in some ares, which I have a steamer to take care of that issue and sanitize the area. Can I use the Bissell little green shampooer with it's shampoo formula on the carpets or will it do anything for such thin carpeting?

They are also the Aunt and Uncle of a good friend of 25+ who recommended me and my co-worker as well. Kind of torn between yes and no, lol

Really need everyone's help on ways to handle this boat. I in a way was hoping it was a fiberglass speed boat. They want the trailer and wheels and tires done too, which is fine, but the trailer is rusted.

What products to use on the aluminum with a DA polisher and what pads? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

**Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing** · Jul 8, 2013, 03:21 PM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

**Detailing by M** · Jul 8, 2013, 06:13 PM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

well, well, well. You need to charge full price for this neglected pos.
Anything that is neglected is full price! Friends or not.
Neglected things are the hardest to bring back.

Aluminum needs to be acid washed and then polished, A HUGE JOB!
or the cheap way is to just polish and accept the results. It will shine but the dirt will still be there. Which might be all there looking for so inform them.

Use APC+ on everything. The plus means that is doesn't foam up as much and is designed for machine use.
APC+ is your friend here. It will eat through everything and clean it up nice. Really no need to use another product.
I'd just hose everything off and let it drain, no need to use the LGM unless you think it's a better choice. But I'm looking to save you time.
Spray, brush then rinse it down the drain. Easy Peasy. Don't treat it like a car treat it like a boat. The interior surfaces are very durable so take advantage of that.

As far as the trailer goes skip it. You need to concentrate on the boat itself, maybe do the rims if they will look good after you clean them up but if it's all rusty then forget it. That is beyond neglected and needs paint. So maybe if you have the time get some rattle cans and paint it.

Explain to your customers that this boat falls under the neglected category and you'll try your hardest to fix all the damage. And don't guaranty this job either. Neglected things are an unknown and you don't know what your getting into until you do.

I would walk away from this job if they aren't willing to accept my terms.
Neglected jobs are the worst and usually the one I walk away from.
Your a detailer not a miracle worker.

**Tuck91** · Jul 9, 2013, 03:43 PM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

I dont mean to be negative but I would be likely to pass.

That is a TON of work as the above poster stated.

**Michael Stoops** · Jul 10, 2013, 07:47 AM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

Ouch.

You need to be very straightforward and up front with these people. Ask them what they're hoping to get out of the boat when they sell it, and what their budget is to have it cleaned up prior to sale. It's hard to imagine they're going to get a lot of money for this boat, and with that in mind how much are they willing to put into it prior to sale? Like Mario said, polishing all that aluminum, or even just cleaning it up a bit, is a large job on its own, but add to that the mess of an interior and you've got a very full day, working really fast, ahead of you.

If you do decide to take this on, you really need to manage the owner's expectations here. This could be more of a "restoration" project rather than a "detailing" project or just a "clean up" project. Those three themes will yield very different results, will take very different time frames to complete, and will fit dramatically different budgets. Looks like you've got some talking to do with the owners.

**Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing** · Jul 10, 2013, 08:17 AM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

and I didn't even show you guys the dirty part of the interior, lol. I'm deabting real hard on this one. Either they'll agree on just spit shine, regular soapy wash and dry, remove the sludge on the bottom, vacuum interior, apc+ on seats and trim part (more cleaning on the seats than anything else) then maybe a shampoo as a one over with APC+ as the pre cleaner as one price package. The wheels are chrome and not bad looking, so maybe just apc the trailer, then do up the wheels and tires.

They want it gone before this winter.

Package 2 - same as above but polishing the **** out of all the aluminum bottom and top edges etc..

I'll chat with them more when I get back from vacation. That was one of my questions for them was, "what's your expectations" They seemed to just want a one over on everything and be done with it.

I'll probably start at a couple hundred to start with for just the basic clean if they want just that. We'll see.

If they don't want the hull and the other aluminum to shine, what's the best way? I don't know anything about acid washing and if I bought some of the metal polish from Meg's, could I use that on a burgundy or yellow pad on that aluminum with the DA? I'd imagine you couldn't officially say yes. It's be more of a trial and error thing.

Let me know, thank you.

**Detailing by M** · Jul 10, 2013, 08:43 AM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

Polishing Aluminum:
I've done some and it's a pain.
You can try using the Megs pads. It just might work enough to make it shine, a little.
And that might be enough. Actually any polishing on the aluminum will improve it. It's just, how long will it take you?

But try a wool pad too. That's what I've use on the B-17 Bomber.
Lake Country has Aluminum polishing pads if you want to get the right ones but, regular wool will work. and you'll need a few, clean them as you work and re-use. I'd use about 4-6 wool pads.

Acid (wheel brightener) washing isn't a big deal. Spray, rinse, repeat 2 more times or until the Acid runs "milky white"
And wear gloves, eye protection and a respirator, RESPIRATOR! Not a dust mask!
Acid washing will make polishing a breeze.

Same thing I did to my rims.
Aluminum Rims, Restored and Protected.

Check your local boat shop, show them the pics and see what they say.

Also you can look at this job as "paid training". Your probably not going to see something like this again so hone your skill on it.

**Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing** · Jul 10, 2013, 12:54 PM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

Thanks Mario. That should be a great help with this boat if I should decide to "attempt" too polish it, lol or again depending on what the customer is actually expecting.

Less than 45 minutes then I'm on vacaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! WOOT WOOT. Of course I may check the MOL Mobile App from time to time if anyone continues to comment.

**Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing** · Jul 17, 2013, 02:37 PM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

Ok back in town and ready for some cleaning. Back to the boat. As far as the wheel brightener, are you talking about Meg's D140? Which wool pads will work on the DA? I've got ALL adaptors for this unit, SB3P, SB6P, W67Da, and W68DA

**Murr1525** · Jul 17, 2013, 02:58 PM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

Wool pads aren't generally recommended for the DA.

**Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing** · Jul 17, 2013, 05:54 PM

Re: Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

OK found out I have a rotary, lol. It's a WEN 943 7" Polisher. YEs old school, but hey at least I have something. I acquired from a detailer that closed up a long time ago. It actually still works. Guess I can now practice with the rotary on that free hood I picked up. Also can use this on the boat.

Now to find the right wool pad for this unit. Not sure if I'll have to change the adaptor??? Anyone know. I forgot to ask Mario about that earlier. Also I haven't been able to find the wool pad for aluminum polishing. I did search Lake country's website but to no avail. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place.

Oh and Mario, it's Blue Magic I believe.

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Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

Boat Details and what products are gel coat safe?

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