Fine gel coat scratches from fender

[noclutch]

My 07 Regal's pretty blue color is getting scratched up from the fender being squished into it while docked, especially on the occasional overnighter when the wind blows her into the dock and I can't tie off to the other side. I tried to wax these fine lines out, and though it looked an bit better they are still there. My understanding is that gel coat is thick enough that I can remove them all together, but how?? I don't want to make a bigger mess than I already have- this is a garaged princess that I want to keep looking that way

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

I would think the cure--removing the scratches--would be worse than the disease--fine line scratches. Maybe a rubbing compound?

I'd work on the source. First, the proper way to dock is so that the boat is not touching anything. With floating piers being so popular people are used to just tying alongside but it's better to use the pilings and tie off--if available. Use the anchor if the dock set-up allows. If there's current you use one line shorter than the other and the current pulls the boat off.

rubber fenders shouldn't scratch gel coat. Is it painted? sand or rough spots on the fenders? Use fender covers, or mooring whips?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

Maybe some fender covers to avoid the scratches in the future.

 

[noclutch]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

Thanks guys. I did order some Taylor made traditional fender boots, but they look like they'd do more damage than the vinyl fender- not smooth at all. I also ordered one of their fleece boots which hopefully will be better.

Sometimes docking without touching anything is difficult, especially if cross tying isn't an option and prevailing winds are towards the dock, though I do try to leave plenty of slack so she can drift away from the dock a bit.

So are these type scratches fixable? My understanding is that the gel coat has color depth that can be worked with. I do have a dual action orbital polisher with all the different pads that I use occasionally on my vehicles, but there is a big difference between clear coat and gel coat, and honestly I'd sooner goof up my car or trucks finish than my princesses LOL

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

Your geo coat should be at least 12 mils thick and you can use rubbing compound to get out fine scratches. But remember that the gel coat has a "hide" factor that hides the glass color under it. Depending on the gelcoat that hide could be 8-10 mils. By using rubbing compound or very fine sand paper like 1200 you could reduce below the "hide" thickness and be able to see through the gelcoat to the glass under. You'll get something that looks like a different color where you removed to much gelcoat. When it happens its to late and the fix of spraying on more is difficult to do and almost never matches the old faded color on the rest of the boat. Just live with your fine scratches.

 

[Dawg'sLife93]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

I had a few scratches in the black on my boat, I wet sanded them out with 2000, then 2500, then polished it, then gave it 3 good coats of wax. It came out nice and shiny.

 

[captain zac]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

If they are fine scratches just use a polish
no need to wet sand

polish the area 3 to 4 times the size of the area with scratches this will blend it in
the fender covers will help alot
the fender cover allows the fender to move up and down when wedged between the dock and the boat

If you have the polish I would polish the whole side
you will be very satisfied with the out come

Harry

 

[JimS123]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

My "garage queen" developed scratches as well, and right from the beginning. In my diligence to keep the hull nice I used fleece fender covers, and THAT is what made the scratches. They did buff out with some compound. Since switching to "bare" Taylor fenders I haven't had the problem again. I did wash the covers a few times, but seems like they would pick up some knid of debris in the cloth each time they were used.

Now, in my Starcraft tinny I hang the fenders on the inside when not in use. I'm getting paint wear right where they hang. Not sure how to solve that issue yet!

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

Since switching to "bare" Taylor fenders I haven't had the problem again

Are you using the ribbed fenders with success or the smooth ones Jim? I've always wondered which would be easier on the boat.

 

[soonerdeer123]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

I would first try some rubbing compound, I use some on mine and then go over it with a fine polish and wax to remove light scratches from my cover.... If they won't come out with a light compound then you can "wet sand" them and then polish and wax... The main thing when sanding them is to not use coarse paper, and keep it wet !! I would use a 200 grit paper and have a bowl of water with a tad bit of dish soap to keep the area wet and lubricated while you sand... Do not put any pressure on the paper, just enough that it makes contact with the gel coat.. You will see the water/soap turn into the color of your gel coat and that lets you know you are removing material, so lightly sand, then polish, then wax and you should be good !

 

[JimS123]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

Are you using the ribbed fenders with success or the smooth ones Jim? I've always wondered which would be easier on the boat.

They are blue ribbed Taylors.

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

They are blue ribbed Taylors.

Thanks for the feedback. I picked up a couple of the cheaper line of 8 inch Taylor fenders recently and was a little apprehensive about the ribs being abrasive. 15 clams a piece on sale at Fleet Farm was a fantastic deal I couldn't say no to. Not that I've got a show boat or anything, but I would certainly like to avoid damage.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Fine gel coat scratches from fender

Fender covers are okay as long as you keep them very clean... You get some sand or dirt on them, it embeds in the fabric, and the fender cover just becomes a means for scratching the gel coat. I agree with JimS123's assessment.