Scratches to Gel Coat

[camjam]

I purchased a 1999 Air Nautique this summer. The boat is in good condition, but has two areas of scratches on the bottom of the boat where the boat slides up on the bunks. Looks like someone took sandpaper to the area. No deep gouges, just roughed up.

Any recommendation on fixing the gel coat or is this something better left alone?

camjam

[behindpropellers]

RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

Leave it alone, its normal.

Tim

[Madhat78]

RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

sounds like the previous owner beached the boat which is very similar to taking sandpaper to the hull. You can see if a gel coat specialist can wet sand them out or use a heavy compound. The boat will probably have to be lifted off the trailer though depending on where the marks are.

[camjam]

RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

I do not believe the boat was beached as the affected area is only were the bottom touches the bunks.

[Madhat78]

RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

There could have been grit on the carpet on the bunks or the carpeting is worn... It still should be able to be sanded out or compounded if it's not too deep.

[behindpropellers]

Re: RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

I do not believe the boat was beached as the affected area is only were the bottom touches the bunks.

What color is that boat? I wonder if it was the one that used to be here?

Every ski boat bottom looks like that after going on and off of the trailer 10 times.

Save your money for boat gas.

Tim

[ClemsonDave]

RE: Re: RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

I agree. However, if you want to get them out, you will need to sand and buff. Start with the highest sandpaper that will get them out. Then sand to 2000 grit. Use soapy water to lubricate. After 2000, buff with rubbing compound and a random orbital buffer (I like Porter Cable). Then buff with scratch remover. That should take care of it.

[Hollywood]

RE: Re: RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

There are compounds that will take out all the way down to 1000 grit scratches, so no need to sand much past that.

[camjam]

RE: Re: RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

Tim,

Previous owner has a place on Berlin. The boat is tan and green. I would post a picture of the boat, but not sure how. Based on what is being posted, I will probably leave the scratches alone since I trailer the boat every weekend. Though that would change if can find a cheap used boat lift.

camjam

[behindpropellers]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

Tim,

Previous owner has a place on Berlin. The boat is tan and green. I would post a picture of the boat, but not sure how. Based on what is being posted, I will probably leave the scratches alone since I trailer the boat every weekend. Though that would change if can find a cheap used boat lift.

camjam

I would buy one of the vertical lifts from http://www.lakesidelift.com/ if you are looking for a lift. We have 4 of them here, and they are great lifts. You can probably get a good winter special on them. You can come over an look at one if you want.

Even if you put your boat on a lift I would not buff out the bottom where it rides on the bunks. A good analogy is kinda like the guy who wants a clean oil dipstick.

Tim

[camjam]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

The wife says I have been spending too much money on boat /ski equipment. I keep telling her it will make it easier for her. She's not buying the line and now has me on a short leash. Currently looking for something used.
camjam

[camjam]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

Tim,
Do you know if the guy with the SN for sale on Chippewa? Is he ready to sell his lift separate from the boat?
camjam

[behindpropellers]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

Tim,
Do you know if the guy with the SN for sale on Chippewa? Is he ready to sell his lift separate from the boat?
camjam

Yes, I know Ryan. No, he is not selling it seperate from the boat.

That lift might be a bit small for your boat anyway.

Used lifts are out there...but often turn out to be just as much $$ as a new one after somebody has not maintained it for its lifetime.

Tim

[2004196]

RE: Scratches to Gel Coat

The wife says I have been spending too much money on boat /ski equipment. I keep telling her it will make it easier for her. She's not buying the line and now has me on a short leash. Currently looking for something used.
camjam

I would suggest staying with new as used wives can come with the same biases about spending money on boats! Yellow_Flash_Colorz: