"New" Trailer and maint. ??

Hey all.

Got a picture of the rebuilt trailer. Was off a 1988 Malibu. Needed a new axle for width so I got one with electric brakes. Added some new bunks and a nice "oops I went tooo fast loading the trailer" bunk set in the front. All there is left is to add the new wiring and try her out. Then i will have to wetsand and buff the boat. After wetsanding, what should I use for an "extracut" polish? Then before I put on the new decals(on the way), what should I do to prep the hull? I assume then i can just keep waxing every couple weeks huh?
Thanks for the help.
Dan

My plan was 1500 grit to start with on a Hutchins wetsand orbital sander. Then switch to 3000 grit and then go the the 3M line? Can I go straight to the finesse-it II polish?
Thanks
Dan

keegan99usa wrote: My plan was 1500 grit to start with on a Hutchins wetsand orbital sander. Then switch to 3000 grit and then go the the 3M line? Can I go straight to the finesse-it II polish? Thanks Dan

I wouldnt bother sanding any finer than 1000 grit. Using compound on a wheel is much faster and less tiring. Im not sure what you are trying to do (restore color or shine), but you will find that you need to be pretty aggressive with gelcoat to make any headway. Its much harder (and thicker) than automotive paint.

I wouldnt bother with 3000 or 1500 grit. Start with 1000 and work down to coarser grits until you start seeing results- then work back up to 1000 and break out the buffer. To get my deck back to its original color (it had yellowed) I had to go down to 320 grit.

For the compounds, I used various wool cutting pads. For the polish, I used a wool blend polishing pad. I dont remember the RPM's, but they were listed on the bottle of each product.

In that case, you may be able to get by without wetsanding at all (lucky you!). Get yourself a good wool cutting pad and the most aggressive compound you can find (like 3M Super Duty) and go to town. If it doesnt work, go back to the 1000 grit.

Your color must not be in bad shape at all. This is the spot that inspired me to wetsand in the first place:



after:

Dan, Hopefully the large graphics will come on the 3M Scotchcal transfer system or it's equal. If it does, the pre positioning is easy and they will go on the hull where you want them!

Ok, so.............heat gun to remove the old decals? I have one, it has 3 temps. What is the ideal temp, or am I getting a bit anal? Just so hesitant to start scratching the heck out of the gelcoat. If I really hit it hard, can I do this in a weekend?
Dan

Well, I finally got out and put the boat on the "new" trailer. I must say that it turned out pretty decent. I'm happy with the color, I just need to get the brakes hooked up and it is completely finished. I put a new axle under the old frame and added new bunks, guides, front"bumper", fresh paint and graphics. I have a spare, but it's a white spoke rim. Anyone have a location to buy a black Nautique spare tire cover?
Thanks
Dan

Oh, and in the picture is my proud daughter Faith.