1960's MFG

[Docktor]

Would like to say hello to everybody and here's my first question: I have a 1960-something MFG fiberglass runabout. The fiberglass is oxidized and the top of the bow has thin little cracks all over. Never worked with fiberglass before. What is the first thing to do about the cracks. thanks

 

[Mark42]

Re: 1960's MFG

Would like to say hello to everybody and here's my first question: I have a 1960-something MFG fiberglass runabout. The fiberglass is oxidized and the top of the bow has thin little cracks all over. Never worked with fiberglass before. What is the first thing to do about the cracks. thanks

Welcome to iboats!

MFG is a great and very well built boat, especially the ones from the 60's.

Those cracks are in the top layer of "gel coat" and most likely do not extend down into the structural part of the glass. Unless you want to go through a very extensive process of grinding off the old gel and spraying on new, I suggest just leaving them as is.

There are a number of methods of restoring old gel coat. It can be done, even when the surface has a white powder look. Old MFG boats had a very thick gel coat, often over 1/8 inch in places. I did my '65 MFG with classic Comet Cleanser, a few blue scrub pads and lots of elbow grease. After washing clean, there should be a very dull, and even color to the gel. Then get a power polisher (harbor freight has one for under $40 that is the one used by most iboats members) and rubbing and polishing compounds and go to work.

Do a search on this forum, and you will find all the info you need to restore the gel. I strongly suggest avoiding any of the "wipe on, wipe off" type restorer products, because they have limited life span.

Do your homework, and let us know what worked for you.

BTW, check out the link in my signature on the restoration of my MFG, it touches on polishing the gel.

Regards,

Mark

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: 1960's MFG

Doc,

Welcome to iBoats. The answer to your question depends on what you ultimately want to do. Are you going to paint? Re gelcoat? Etc.

I suggest you search on this forum for Gel coat cracking or gel coat oxidation. You will find tons of information about your situation and various ideas for repair. Good luck.

 

[Docktor]

Re: 1960's MFG

Welcome to iboats!

MFG is a great and very well built boat, especially the ones from the 60's.

Those cracks are in the top layer of "gel coat" and most likely do not extend down into the structural part of the glass. Unless you want to go through a very extensive process of grinding off the old gel and spraying on new, I suggest just leaving them as is.

There are a number of methods of restoring old gel coat. It can be done, even when the surface has a white powder look. Old MFG boats had a very thick gel coat, often over 1/8 inch in places. I did my '65 MFG with classic Comet Cleanser, a few blue scrub pads and lots of elbow grease. After washing clean, there should be a very dull, and even color to the gel. Then get a power polisher (harbor freight has one for under $40 that is the one used by most iboats members) and rubbing and polishing compounds and go to work.

Do a search on this forum, and you will find all the info you need to restore the gel. I strongly suggest avoiding any of the "wipe on, wipe off" type restorer products, because they have limited life span.

Do your homework, and let us know what worked for you.

BTW, check out the link in my signature on the restoration of my MFG, it touches on polishing the gel.

Regards,

Mark

Hey thanks for the replies. Mark42, read about your 65 mfg restoration project and the boat looks maavelous!! It gave me some good ideas. I too only have one mfg logo with shark and looking for another. Greg, thanks for your help too. Talk to all you guys sometime. Happy sails.