Upcoming Boat Detail; OTC Polish/Wax?

Guys, in a bit of a bind. I had sort of a surprise favor cashed in today: a friend of mine needs to get his boat and car done by this weekend for a charity race. It's a small boat, no larger than a van (in terms of sheet metal lol) but there's some oxidation on the shell.

It's fiberglass with a gel coating that has oxidized a fair bit. I may end up working this by hand, so does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts on the combo I should use? I'll repay your kindness with oodles of pictures and a big, long write-up!

The most important part: everything needs to be over the counter (as in, any marine shop or Auto Zone should carry it). I was thinking ScratchX with M105 Ultra Cut, followed with NXT?

 

duragloss 501 ^^

 

I see I can pick up DG501 at Napa/PartsPlus etc, but what about wax/sealant for the shell?

 

If its hammered oxidized gel coat I'm sorry to tell you you're not going to even put a dent into it by hand. I did a 20 footer last week and it took 3 hits of M105/wool/1800rpm just to clear up the oxidation. Whatever you do I wish you luck!

Also make sure the throughly IPA/degrease the gel coat after you polish to remove all the polishing oils. Gel coat is very absorbent and just sucks up the oils to make it seem like its perfect until they wash away.

 

3m Imperial Compound.white wool pad,rotary polisher,3m finnese it 2,white wool pad.paste wax

 

+1 on the 501as long as it's not to bad. As far as doing this by hand, it's going to be a bear. I wish you luck and no sore arms.

 

Jesus...

...well, I may be in luck. My friend said he's willing to pick up a polisher! I'll forward him the requisite list of pads to get but I think we'll have to settle on the first job for whatever it comes with. I doubt much that we have time to get pads in order.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll be picking up supplies Friday when I get paid!

 

Go to Westmarine or any marine store like that and grab some Collinite Fleetwax 870. It is an AIO so it removes oxidisation and leaves a layer of protection. I picked up a bottle because I did a small 14 footer and don't do boats regularly but was extremely impressed. It removed oxidisation like it was nothing and left a nice finish. Not quite sure on the durability but if it lives up to the Collinite name, it will most likely be impressive as well.