Washing and waxing

[Frank Marafiote]

I am the new owner of a DSII and am getting ready for the new season. Before I bring my boat to its summer launching area, I want to give it a good washing and wax the hull. Before I start using the automotive soaps and waxes in my garage, I thought I'd ask if there is any advantage to using products specifically meant for boats?

[Frank Marafiote]

A friend of mine who has had several small sailboats told me that he got great results using Mequires auto wash on his boats, followed by a boat wax called "Mary Kate Maxiwax and Cleaner." He'd use the wax on the all surfaces that did not have the anti-skid surface.

[Rick McDuffie]

Hi Frank,

I have a '73 DSII, and when I got it the gelcoat had that dead, chalky appearance- yellowed and stained. If yours is like that, you've got to get the dead gelcoat off before it'll shine. I wetsanded with 600 grit sandpaper, then moved to 1000, 1500 and finally 2000 (rinsing and scrubbing completely between the different papers). I still haven't waxed it, because it's white again and shines brilliantly! It was well worth the effort to have a restored gelcoat. I recommend it.

I'm getting ready to do the same thing to our other DSII now... it's a basket case (red hull, and much worse than the white boat was). It'll look like new when I'm finished.

Those sandpapers are available from auto paint shops.

Rick

[Peter McMinn]

I second Rick's approach. Nothing looks better than highly polished gelcoat via high-grit wet-sanding. You should be aware though of how much you're taking off. My '60 DS 1 has had this treatment many times over the years, and the gelcoat is starting to get very thin in spots.

[Frank Marafiote]

Thanks for the feedback. From what I can tell, the surface of the hull is still in good condition. There are a few small scrape marks here and there, and in the front the roller left a little rubber along the front edge. I thought I'd wax it to get it that "almost as good as new look."

Does your sailing technique improve if you keep your boat in good condition?