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September - October 2018 70 Disponible en línea en español.
Dave Weakley is the owner of American Boat Restoration and has been helping
Northeastern boaters keep their boats in fine trim and good repair for over 40 years.
Dr. Gel
by Dave Weakley
Ask
“Email me or call me with your questions! I’ll be happy to help you out”
americanboatrestoration.com / email: / Office: 413.665.7424 / Cell: 518.577.7799
2 0 0 6 • 1 2 Y e a r s w i t h D r . G e l • 2 0 1 8
“Dr Gel, I’m planning on cleaning my hull to
get it ready for the off- season. What’s the best
cleaner and what else should I do?” --- Todd
Cleaning the growth and slimy scum off your hull; it’s an end of season ritual.
Acid wash products such as “On-Off” work great to clean off all the ugly brown
stains. Another good fiberglass hull cleaning solution I use is called FSR-
Fiberglass Stain Remover by Davis. For FSR follow the directions and be sure
to wear eye protection and rubber gloves. It works great for waterline
scum and other stains.
When it comes to acid-washing your entire hull seek a reputable
marine service facility. They have the experience and equipment to
do it efficiently and properly.
Beware both of these solutions will also remove all the protecting
sealer glaze and wax exposing the gelcoat to anything that might
want to cling to it or absorb through the porous gelcoat. I cannot
emphasize enough how important it is to reapply the sealer glaze
and wax to best protect the gelcoat. In addition, sealing the gelcoat
will help to prevent osmotic blisters. It is cheap insurance compared
to the cost of repairing blisters. A hull with a good coat of sealer
glaze and wax gives algae and other organisms less to adhere to! It
is essential that sealer glaze be applied to bare fiberglass before the
boat goes back in the water. This applies to any age boat and brand
new boats as well!!
Boats on a trailer; should be removed from the trailer in order to
get the entire bottom cleaned, sealer glazed and waxed. You are
only able to do half a job unless this done. It’s a good opportunity to
clean the gelcoat hidden under the bunks where osmotic blistering
can occur unnoticed. You do not want to get the acid wash on you or
your trailer! While the boat is off the trailer check the rollers/carpeted bunks for
protruding and loose bolts, wear and grit and replace if needed.
Now is a perfect time to carefully inspect your entire boat. Are there any gelcoat,
fiberglass and/or structural issues; cracks in the gelcoat, deep gashes into the
fiberglass, airvoids, osmotic blisters, etc.? These types of problems will get
worse if not addressed. Repair as soon as possible! Check and tighten all your
hardware and fittings. Examine the sealant around cleats, hatch covers, windows,
etc. Replace missing or dried out sealant. Schedule repairs off season; avoid
waiting ‘til spring.
Blisters
connected by
Gelcoat cracks -
water intrusion
developed. -
water is seeping
through cracks
and behind
Gelcoat