Kristian Ferrell
If you're looking to breathe new life into your old fiberglass boat, one of the key areas you'll want to focus on is the dashboard. Over time, exposure to harsh UV rays and moisture can cause the gelcoat on your dashboard to oxidize, resulting in a cloudy, chalky appearance. But fear not, with some elbow grease and the right tools, you can restore its shine and make it look as good as new. The process involves cleaning, polishing, and protecting the gelcoat, and if necessary, applying a new layer of gelcoat or using repair products to fix any damage. So, whether you're a DIY enthusiast or seeking professional help, read on as we explore the steps to transform that tired-looking dashboard and bring back the beauty of your classic boat.
How to Re-condition Old Fiberglass Boat Dashboard
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Fiberglass, gelcoat, wax, boat wax, cleaner wax, wax-sealer |
| Tools | PVA, electronics, MFD instruments |
| Steps | Clean the boat thoroughly, identify what's broken, remove old fuel and oil, look for cracking and crazing in the fiberglass, check for rotting wood, polish the gelcoat, remove oxidation, apply a new finish |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the dashboard and hull thoroughly
Before you begin the process of reconditioning your old fibreglass boat's dashboard and hull, it is important to clean the surfaces thoroughly. Over time, the gelcoat layer of your boat will become dull, discoloured, and more susceptible to staining. This is due to the gelcoat's exposure to the elements, including UV rays, saltwater, and freshwater. To restore the shine and beauty of your boat, a thorough cleaning is necessary.
Start by rinsing the boat with water to remove any loose debris and dust. This initial rinse will help you get rid of any larger particles that could scratch the surface during the cleaning process. You can use a hose to do this, making sure to reach all areas of the dashboard and hull.
Next, you will need to mix water and a boat cleaning soap in a bucket. Use a long-handled soft brush or sponge to scrub the exterior of the boat. Be sure to choose a soap that is specifically designed for cleaning boat hulls, as this will ensure that you do not damage the gelcoat. Some people recommend using home remedies such as oven cleaner, toilet bowl bleach, or lemon juice, but these products may not be as effective and could potentially damage the gelcoat.
After scrubbing the boat, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove all soap residue. At this point, you may notice that some areas still appear stained, especially at and below the waterline. If this is the case, you can use a hull cleaner to treat these areas. Apply the hull cleaner to the affected areas and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. For moderate stains, you may need to use a brush or rag to work the product into the hull. Be sure to choose a hull cleaner that is safe for use on fibreglass and gelcoat, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If you notice any rust or corrosion stains on the gelcoat, you can treat them with a calcium, lime, and rust remover. These products are generally less harsh than hull cleaners and safer to use on the gelcoat. However, you should still wear protective gear when using any cleaning products. Barnacles can also be a challenge to remove from the hull. If you find any, use a plastic or wooden implement, such as a plastic paint scraper or a wooden spatula, to remove them carefully. Be gentle to avoid damaging the gelcoat, and remember that any remaining calcium rings will require additional applications of the calcium, lime, and rust remover.
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Identify and fix any cracks or crazing in the fiberglass
To identify cracks or crazing in the fiberglass of your boat's dashboard, look out for small cracks or erratic cracks that are shallow. These are signs of gelcoat failure. If left untreated, these cracks can lead to more severe problems down the line, so it's important to address them.
You can fix minor cracks and crazing in the fiberglass yourself. First, ensure you have the right tools and safety gear, including an angle grinder, Dremel or Dremel-style rotary grinder, respirator, eye protection, long sleeves, and gloves. Before you begin, confirm that the underlying laminate is not damaged by checking for broken strands of fabric or cracked resin. If the laminate is damaged, it's best to call in a professional.
If the laminate is intact, you can use a Dremel or Dremel-style rotary grinder to open up the stress cracks before filling them. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the laminate. Alternatively, for isolated stress cracks, consider using a simple can opener and sandpaper. Once the cracks are filled and smoothed over, polish the dashboard to restore its shine.
For more severe damage, it is recommended to seek the services of a professional marine fiberglass repair specialist. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to ensure a proper repair.
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Remove old fuel and oil from the engine and gear case
Removing old fuel and oil from the engine and gear case is an important step in the reconditioning process. This will ensure that the engine runs smoothly and prevent any damage caused by contaminated fuel. Here are the steps you should follow:
First, locate the fuel tank and drain the old fuel. Depending on the boat's setup, you may need to remove the tank or use a suction pump to extract the fuel. If there is a significant amount of fuel, consider using a sealable container or bucket to collect it safely. Be cautious, as old fuel may have degraded and could contain water, algae, sludge, or varnish.
Next, disconnect the fuel lines. It is crucial to do this before cleaning the tank to avoid any engine damage. Once the lines are disconnected, spray a marine-grade fuel tank cleaner into the tank. This will help dissolve any residual dirt, sludge, or varnish left by the old fuel. Follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully, as it may need to be diluted or left to sit for a certain amount of time.
After allowing the cleaner to work, it's time to rinse the tank. Use water, and if possible, use heated water, as this can help remove tougher residues. You can use a power washer to blast the inside of the tank, ensuring that all surfaces are clean. Repeat this process several times until the tank looks clean. If there are stubborn residues, you may need to use a stronger cleaning agent or mechanical methods, such as shaking the tank with BBs or a similar small object.
Finally, use the suction pump again to remove the fuel tank cleaner and dirty water from the tank. Ensure that all residual cleaner and water are removed, as this could contaminate the new fuel. Once the tank is clean and dry, you can reconnect the fuel lines and fill the tank with fresh, clean fuel.
Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area when handling fuel and chemicals, and dispose of the old fuel and cleaning products appropriately.
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Polish the gelcoat to restore shine
The outer surface of a fibreglass boat is usually a special resin called gelcoat. Gelcoats have little structural value but they protect the hull and give it its colour and shine. Over time, the gelcoat on your boat can become dull, making your boat look old. Restoring the gelcoat can help restore the shine and protect the surface.
Clean the gelcoat surface
Before applying polish, ensure any surface dirt and stains are removed. Mix together 2 parts warm water with 1 part boat soap in a large bucket. Boat soap is designed to reduce residue and is better for the environment than dish soap. Mop along the surfaces of your boat with a mop dipped in the soapy mixture. You can find boat soap at most home improvement and boat supply stores.
Apply polish to the gelcoat
Pour a small amount of polish onto a soft cloth. Most boat supply stores carry gelcoat polish. The label on the polish should tell you exactly how much to use. However, you don't want to use too much, since you'll be working in small sections, no bigger than 1 ft (0.30 m) square.
Rub the polish into the gelcoat
Hold the cloth with the polish on it in your dominant hand. Then use small circular motions to rub the polish into the gelcoat. Continue rubbing until the surface gets a glassy shine. Move along the hull horizontally. As you finish polishing each section, move to the same-sized sections directly next to the section you just finished. Repeat the process for applying the polish all along the hull. Then drop down to just below your last section and begin moving in the opposite direction.
Wax the gelcoat
Use a cloth to apply the wax by hand. Hold the cloth in the palm of your hand. Starting at one end of the hull, press the cloth against the hull of the boat and rub in the wax using a circular motion. You can move clockwise or counter-clockwise, but stick to one direction. Use a buffer for large jobs. If your boat is large, or if you just don't have the time or patience to apply wax by hand, you can use a buffer. The foam pad will latch onto the buffer. Then place the pad flat against the hull of the boat and turn it on.
Buff the gelcoat
Let the wax dry. Once the wax is mostly dry, it will form a hazy finish. Once you see this haze, use a soft old bath towel to buff away the excess wax. Move along the boat in sections. Once you finish one area, move to the next section immediately next to it. Continue moving along the hull in a horizontal line. Once you've reached the end of the hull, move to below your last section of wax and begin working in the opposite direction back down the hull.
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Wax the fiberglass to protect it from water damage
Waxing your boat is essential to maintaining its colour, shine, and integrity. It also makes regular cleaning easier, as grime finds it harder to stick to waxed surfaces.
To wax your fibreglass boat, start by choosing the best boat wax for you. Then, apply a quarter-sized amount of wax to a microfiber cloth and rub it into the hull in circular motions. It is recommended to work in small sections (3ft by 3ft) as the wax will start to dry to a hazy finish. Once each section has dried, buff it with a soft towel or another microfiber cloth, again, rubbing in circular motions to remove the wax and buff the boat. Your boat waxing job is complete when your boat retains a shiny, mirror-like finish.
It is recommended to wax your boat at least twice a year, but most experts agree that it should be done every three to four months.
In addition to waxing, you can also use a special cleaner to remove tough water and rust stains. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gear when using these cleaners, as they often contain harsh chemicals or acids. Rinse all heavy-duty cleaners with plenty of fresh water.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to clean the surface of the dashboard to remove any dirt, grease, or wax. Use a quality boat soap and a scrub brush to clean the surface, and follow up with a solvent like MEK or acetone to ensure that all grease and wax are removed.
Tough water and rust stains may not come off with a scrub brush and soap, so a special cleaner may be needed. Follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gear as directed, as these cleaners often use harsh chemicals or acids. Rinse the cleaner off with plenty of fresh water. If the stains still persist, try buffing them off.
To restore shine, you need to remove the oxidised portion of the gelcoat. Polish or compound the surface first, and then polish it to restore the finish. Polish is a mild abrasive that removes the topmost surface of the gelcoat that has oxidised. Compound is a slightly more abrasive version of polish, used on gelcoats that are heavily oxidised and pitted.
You will need a quality variable speed rotary polisher, buffing pads, rubbing compound, protective gear, rags, stain removers, and degreasers.
