Well, I guess I couldn't quite resist the urge to post up what I've gotten myself into after reading all the amusing threads on purchases, restorations, rebuilds, etc. I've been around boats since I was little (does a 16' aluminum Starcraft count?), and I already did the single guy "buy a brand new super-duper Jetski when I graduated college" thing. Now it's time to get my family back on the water. So, after much early-season searching (because I like to get deals on things when I can), I plunked down a few bucks on the big banana...
She's a '79 Wellcraft Sunhach 196. Mercuiser 228 (GM 305 V8 with 4BBL). Overall, she's been loved most of her life, and only shows signs of normal again (as far as I can tell..). She up to date on maintenance, doesn't leak anything, runs very smooth, and just had an outdrive overhaul two seasons ago (gimbal bearing, seals, bellow, impeller, etc.). I'll need some recommendations on what to use to restore the gelcoat, remove the stripes, restore the teak, etc. I know how to apply elbow grease, just lack the knowledge of the best products to use. Maybe I'll redo the interior fully after this season, but most likely I'll just be focusing on tidying her up for the coming summer. Now, we just need some warmer weather!
She's a '79 Wellcraft Sunhach 196. Mercuiser 228 (GM 305 V8 with 4BBL). Overall, she's been loved most of her life, and only shows signs of normal again (as far as I can tell..). She up to date on maintenance, doesn't leak anything, runs very smooth, and just had an outdrive overhaul two seasons ago (gimbal bearing, seals, bellow, impeller, etc.). I'll need some recommendations on what to use to restore the gelcoat, remove the stripes, restore the teak, etc. I know how to apply elbow grease, just lack the knowledge of the best products to use. Maybe I'll redo the interior fully after this season, but most likely I'll just be focusing on tidying her up for the coming summer. Now, we just need some warmer weather!
. Great family sport! I'm just getting started so I don't have much in the way of wisdom to offer on restoration of the gelcoat but I did use Star Brite Teak Care Kit and it worked great. It's a 3 step system that brought back the true color of my boat's teak without any scrubbing. Your arm is going to be tired enough on the gelcoat why make it worse? You can get this at any boat store, west marine or bass pro. Good luck! The guys in here are great and offer a ton of knowledge.