Boat polish or paint?

[jaybla812]

Ahoy:
I own a 1989 Carver Monterey cabin cruiser.
The last couple of years the shine has faded more and more especially on the long blue strip along the sides.
I have tried several polishes and recently a rubbing compound with no luck. Last year I took it to an auto body shop, which helped for a while but still faded after a few weeks on the water.
I just can't get the color to "pop" like it used to.
All suggestions would be appreciated.

[waybomb]

Need to go to a marina that knows how to do this.

They will wet sand with a 600 and then maybe a 2000, then do a 3m perfect-it #1 (or similar heavy oxidation compound) with a Makita-type machine buffer, then #2, then a fine polish, and then a wax.

Or a similar procedure. My 36 went 11 years out in the weather untreated and unused and was severely chalked. I used 2000 wet sand, then Perfectit 1, 2, then 3m marine heavy oxidation restorer, and then a swirl remover, and finally covered it with a polymer. Looks like new. Many hours with that Makita buffing machine.

[BobWaz]

There is a product called Vert Glass. The process is in I believe 4 steps. It is labor intense. If you specifically follow the directions, it will give great results. I had used this on the black on my Mastercraft.

[Ramsport47]

DO NOT USE VERT GLASS!!!!! It will start peeling off regardless if you do it properly or not!

[BobWaz]

Vert Glass....As I said, specifically follow instructions. I re did my Mastercraft about 5 years later, then sold it. Had 2 friends that used it. One came out horrible, the other great and loves it.

[After Taxes]

Hi.

Highly recommend you do the wet sand method as Waybomb suggested. I did that to a very sun-dulled 1989 Doral Montecello, but it looked showroom new afterwards. When I replaced the top, and with the hull shining, so many people asked me if it was a new boat. After this method, it was extremely easy to keep up appearances with normal waxing.

Go the wet sand method. You will be absolutely satisfied!

Respectfully,

Steve