Gelcoat stains on the new Z21

[MattM]

I just picked up my '87 Z21 today.

It's in good shape except the light grey gellcoat on the deck is stained and blotchy brownish over most of it. And it's waxed in.

I tried the liquid fiberglass stain remover, but to no avail.

First I guess I need to get the wax off??

Any ideas?

Other than that, I'm thrilled to have an operational Donzi again.

[MOP]

A lot of colors get oxidized have to compound the heck out of it, don't worry about getting wax off just go at it. The guys all have prefs on wax so do a post when ready. We always enjoy a bit of input :cistineb:

[Cuda]

Was it the blue FSR brand? It's about the best I've found, but it won't get everything. Probably needs a buffing with some Aquabuff and a high speed buffer. It will work wonders.

[harbormaster]

Before doing all that get some Mcguires hotwheels mag wheel spray and see if it comes off. I bet it does.

[Cuda]

I love Meguires 56 wax for the boat.

[Stan]

"ROLITE".......and a little elbow grease !!! This stuff is the best.


Stan....... :cool!: :cool!:

[Budmann]

Um, I might know what is wrong and all of the above won't work. When we built these boats in the late 80's the factory used some funky wax on the molds. After the boats sat in the sun it would appear to look oxidized. You can wax till your hearts content and you won't get it out. Yup, you guessed it... wet sanding time. Note to self... after wet sanding buy a full cover. If you don't it will come back again and again.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I saw this happen to allot of the Z-Series boats between 86-90.

Got two Z's with that problem right know.

[Cuda]

Here's what the aquabuff did for some badly oxidized gel on a 1987 Minx.

Before and after.

[Donzigo]

I have had a Z-25 (!987) & currently own a Z-33 (1989). We have noticed these problems as well. More on the Z-25, when we first got it than the Z-33. But, with some wet sanding and the use of Collite buffing stuff from West Marine, we got it to look fine. I'm sure that the Aquabuff and other things recommended will also work. The KEY to it, is making sure there is a FULL COVER, repeat - FULL COVER - to the waterline, that will protect all your hard work. If you don't do this part, all of your work will be for nothing. FYIO: A full cover made of SUNBRELLA - (only) - should cost you about $700 to $800 for the Z-25, so maybe a little less for a Z-21. It will last 10 or so years.

[Cuda]

A full cover for my 302 Formula cost $1500, best investment you can make for a boat.

[mjpcowboy]

A full Sunbrella cover for my 33ZX was only $850.00 on boat-cover.com. Fit great and the price was good compared to most other places.

[Donzigo]

Cuda, that's not a FULL COVER on your attached picture, true?

[Cuda]

Cuda, that's not a FULL COVER on your attached picture, true?


Oops, you're right, that's the cockpit cover. Here is the full cover.

[gcarter]

Oops, you're right, that's the cockpit cover. Here is the full cover.
Cuda, will that thing stay on if your towing? Just wondering.

George

[Cuda]

Cuda, will that thing stay on if your towing? Just wondering.

George


Yes, I tie it down. The maker warned me NOT to use bungee cords when towing. They flop in the wind and bang up your gel.