Our S/V
Manta 42 2000 was layed up for several years by the previous owners. We bought her last year and are doing our first haulout this Fall.
One of the things on our list is addressing the highly oxidized fiberglas. When we replaced the name on the stern, it took me hours of wet
sanding with an
electric sander, compounding to get to approach original like smoothness and shine.
We tried a few produces on test patches on our desk -- compounding, waxing, etc.
We've talked with a handful of people who recommended painting (we're leaning towards AwlGrip a while color) and not the clear coat poly coat stuff. We want something that's mostly
maintenance free for a couple years. Yes, I hear the howling in the background, people grabbing their stomachs and rolling around the floor.
Other
Manta owners have conveyed their efforts with stain
removal, compounding and waxing, and calculated those efforts in days and beers consumed.
Based on our limited experience with the stern and test areas, we really don't know if compounding/waxing is going to do anything. Are we expecting too much to think we're going to see "like new shine" again, or even close to that? Is the surface just too porous and rough to be flattened down by compounding, or should we fill all though micro valleys with
paint?
We need to do our above
water line hulls, under the bridge
deck while hauled out. We can do the topsides
on the hard or once splashed back in the
water.
Any and all experiences, products, recommendations are highly appreciated! Even good beers to go along with the tasks.
Craig and Mary.
S/V Galileo #66