410-656-4069
Chesapeake Bay Boat Detailing, Inc.
ph: 410-656-4069
sales
Our warranty is simple.
New Boat:
If we perform all services from weekly washes to waxing twice a year we guarantee your boat will never need to be compounded due to oxidation. If by some chance if does, we will perform that service at no charge. All you pay for is waxing!
Pre Owned or Older Boat:
If we perform any service to remove oxidation on your boat, and we perform all detailing services from weekly washing to waxing twice a year after that service. If the oxidation returns we will compound your boat at no charge. All you pay for is waxing!
No small print. Its that simple. We stand behind our work!
Gel coat, the clear surface coating on a boat's hull and topsides, is supposed to be shiny. Over the years, though, it may develop a "dead" look or become cloudy in spots. This is because the gel coat oxidizes--the surface layer combines with the oxygen in the air while exposed to sunlight and water--and develops that "haze." Fortunately, your boat's gel coat coating is thick enough that you can remove the oxidized layer!
If your boat's gelcoat is slightly oxidized, most of the surface will be shiny with a few patches of dullness or cloudiness. At this stage of oxidation, a simple oxidation removing compound applied to the boat will remove oxidation and restore the shine.
The entire surface of the boat will be dull with little reflectivity, and there will be signs of pitting. To remove the oxidation and smooth the pitting, you will need to apply a polishing compound using a circular motion with a machine buffer. The polish, similar to fine sandpaper, removes the pitted surface rather than coating it.
The entire surface of the boat will have no reflectivity and may be chalky to the touch - pitting is obvious. At this stage of oxidation, washing, sanding and polishing are required. In most cases though, restoration will mean intense work to restore the shine and may require the attention of a professional. In the worst oxidation cases, the gelcoat may be beyond restoration and painting the boat may be the only option.
Good boat maintenance starts with a boat's gelcoat. The best maintenance plan will preserve the shine and integrity of your boat's gelcoat through a two-part process: cleaning and protecting. Cleaning your boat's gelcoat thoroughly by removing dirt and debris will help protect the gelcoat.
Use specially designed fiberglass cleaners - do not use household cleaners. Although household cleaners like Soft Scrub and other abrasive cleaners seems to be a good solution to remove tough stains, they scratch as they clean. Tiny scratches will speed oxidation and dull your boat's gelcoat quickly. Once a boat oxidizes, the hull is vulnerable to greater damage from water penetration. If your boat is showing of oxidation, follow a gel coat resoration plan that includes part two of this maintenance plan - protection.
To remove dirt and mild stains, many fiberglass cleaners are available at marine supply stores. There are many types of specialty cleaners, including some with wax to protect the gelcoat. Others are a two part process of cleaning and waxing. Both come in handy during Part Two of the gelcoat maintenance plan - protecting.
After thoroughly cleaning the gelcoat with a fiberglass cleaner the next step to protecting your boat's gelcoat is waxing. At this stage of the game, experts vary on the type of wax, but most generally agree that applying wax is essential to maintaining the integrity and shine of your boat's gelcoat.
Most fiberglass boat waxes are beeswax based, carnuba wax, silicone or a combination of the waxes. All of the products are designed to protect the gelcoat from ultraviolet rays and the marine environment. For a glossy shine, according to Boating magazine, you should apply two coats of a beeswax-based paste which provides a protective barrier coat. Follow the beeswax with a carnuba-based liquid wax to bring out the gloss. You will need to wash with a carnuba-based soap every week. Sound like too much work? The folks at Boating magazine suggest using a marine polish instead, although you will sacrifice the shine that comes from carnuba wax.
Like cleaners, protectants are plentiful on the shelves of boating supply stores. The most important advice to keep in mind is apply the wax or polish to protect the gelcoat according to the directions on the package.
Other ways to protect your boat's gelcoat is to use fenders with washable covers to ward off accidental dings and scrapes. Since ultraviolet rays do the most damage, covering your boat or keeping it in a boathouse will also preserve the life of the gelcoat and keep it beautiful for many years to come.
Contact us today!
We welcome your questions and queries. Please see our Contact Us page for complete contact information.
Chesapeake Bay Boat Detailing, Inc.
ph: 410-656-4069
sales