New Boat Owner

[77VIP]

Hey everyone, I have recently acquired the family boat that has been in our family since it was new in '77. It is a VIP Tri-Hull and has been sitting in the elements without a cover for far too long, and now the top paint/gel coat is very rough to the touch, it almost feels like sand paper and looks horrible. In its prime this boat was a dark brown with very heavy metal flake that sparkled like stars in the sky. Is there any way to get that sparkle back? I know this boat isn't worth much, and I will be doing all the work my self, but like I said this boat has made some amazing memories for us and I would love to get It on the water again and make the same memories for my kids.

 

[kcon]

If it's that old and been sitting out, uncovered, for any length of time I'd be concerned about structural rot as well. From what I've read before there's not much you can do to restore metal flake paint, though I'm sure more will chime in with advice shortly. Got any pictures?

 

[kcassells]

Welcome Aboard! Lots of great guys here to get you thru it

 

[Goldie627]

welcome to the forum! i don't want to discourage you but at this point cosmetic jelcoat would be the least of my worries with any old boat, especially one thats been left out uncovered

you got a long road ahead of you but luckily there are great bunch of guys hear that are extremely kind and helpful

restoration takes alot of time and money but the family memories of past and the memories yet to come are priceless

 

[mickyryan]

hi and welcome, the glitter clear is gone , how bad is the glitter paint , you might get away with respraying clear after sanding lightly , or for quick and dirty use zep wet look floor polish from home depot 3 or 4 coats will make it look really good for a couple of years other then that you can sand and spray with raptor liner material tinted color of your choice as i did on a bass boat since it was getting beat up,it looked great and worked flawlessly.