New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

[ViperSRT]

Hello all,

I have a friend who is asking me to detail a new boat he bought. It wasn't anything crazy and is not "expecting it to be perfect," but I have never done a boat before and had some questions.

Here are some pictures of it. My main two questions would be that black discoloration on the bottom and the trim panel on the rear. What would that black film be? Do you think it could be removed with just some elbow grease or compound?

Also that sparkling trim is gritty and raised. Is there any special product to use for that or just the usual?

Thanks for reading! My main intention is to see if this is something I can do or if a pro would have to do it for him.

[Nick Winn]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

Hi ViperSRT,

Are you working by hand or machine?

In regards to the gunk/film build up on the bottom, not sure what exactly it is, but I would start with using a aggressive All Purpose Cleaner. Our new M5826 Marine/RV All Purpose Cleaner would be worth a try. Check out the before and after on this boat during our testing of the product:



After cleaning with an all purpose cleaner, our M67 Marine/RV One Step Compound followed by our Flagship Premium Marine Wax is a awesome combination.

Regarding the "trim area on the back" and what looks to be on the top areas, which feels gritty & raised, I just made a call to a couple of our Marine/RV guys and am waiting to here back from them. Sent them your pictures to look at.

Nick

[ViperSRT]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

Thank you for the response Nick! I would be using a mix of by hand and the meguiars dual action polisher. I appreciate the suggestion of products as well as I only have car products thus far. Let me know if you hear anything about the gray trim. I just don't want to damage anything if you need to use a special technique or product on it.

Thanks!

[Old Bear]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

ViperSRT
Can you describe the gray trim a little more?
Is it a non skid finish?

[ViperSRT]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

That might be it. Now that you mention it that might be a good way to describe it. It reminds me of that.

He isn't looking for it to be compounded totally per say just cleaned and shined up. What products would work well for just a polish and wax? Can you use car products or specifically marine?

I don't know how I would get to that bottom fully though. The trailer as you can see in the picture is blocking a good chunk of the bottom. How would I get around that?

[ViperSRT]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

Ok so going on what I have researched This is what I will be working with.:

Meguiars DA Polisher with cutting and finishing pads
Meguiars M5826 All purpose leaner for the bottom brown scum
Meguiars vinyl cleaner/protect M5716SP for the vinyl seats
Meguiars M5416 Gel wash
Meguiars meta lpolish for the steps and metal trim
The fiberglass restoration system M4965. He doesn't want heavy compounding just a clean and polish and shine so I figure the oxidation remover, polish, and wax will get the job done.

Do these products look like they will get the job done?

Also how would I get around the trailer legs that hold the boat? As you can see the carpet obscures a section of that brown gunk.

Thanks!

[Old Bear]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

Here is another thought.
The trailer says Glastron (nice quality boats).
If the boat is Glastron (or other), here is their current PDF for maintenance.
It is worth starting at page 92 and reading about 4 pages for their suggested care guidelines.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/804576/Glastron-Boats.html?page=92#manual

[ViperSRT]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

Thank you for the suggestions. I am feeling more confident with this task minus getting under the areas covered by the trailer. I have been looking up how to lift a boat and have to admit I am not feeling confident about the idea considering where I will be working is slanted slightly. I think this is a job too big for what I have experience with. If it wasn't for this I think I would be fine, but I am not sure what to do

[Old Bear]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

Some trailers have rollers. The boat can be rolled back just a little on the trailer. It is important to chock the trailer tires and tongue making sure this does not move on you. When rolling back just a little, be cognizant that that motor at the rear of the boat is heavy and you don't want the back to drop and the tongue going up.

In the picture of your first post, I don't see the rollers I expected to see. Instead, there is a sharp steel mount. If this was my boat, that would concern me. Lots of bumps and potholes while a boat is being towed on the trailer.

[ViperSRT]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

I agree. This isn't my boat. The guy who bought it traveled all the way form NJ to Vermont to get it. It a was only about 3,000. I am really stuck on this one. He isn't paying me anywhere near what a normal boat detail is and I am already spending too much just to do this. More then I will be making in products etc. I am not going to spend 200 on boat stands just to get under the carpet sections. I think after all this I will have to pass.

[Nick Winn]

Re: New surfaces that I have not worked with before. Car to Boat detail

Sounds like you made a wise decision, considering the customers expectations & what he has offered to pay. Let us know if there is anything else we can help with.