Boat Restoration Tips?

[shepherd]

I'm fairly new to this site and I've seen several mentions of new skins from Mastercraft. If I want to re-upholster my interior, is that the way to go? What does Mastercraft do, just provide the material at the right color? Does it include the Mastercraft logo stitching?

Also, any advice on the best way to restore badly faded color on the hull sides would be appreciated. You know, suggested products, hand buff vs. electric buffer, etc.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice. :worthy:

[BriEOD]

Jim,

You will find a lot of good information on this site about restoration. As for your hull here is a good article and I recommend this kit. You will need a high speed orbital polisher though.

http://www.properautocare.com/gelcolaapgu.html

For your skins, yes, you purchase new skins from a MC dealer and then can either put them on or find an upholestry shop. Their was a lengthy discussion that MC was going to stop making skins for boat older than 1995 (don't quote me). However, you can still buy all one color skins. Again, contact a dealer and get the scoop. Or shoot a Private Message to BradAMerry or East Tx Skier, they both just purchased skins recently and can talk you through it.

On another note where do you ski in PC? I've been to Tyndall quite a few times. Do you put your boat in salt water or is there some fresh water near there?

[shepherd]

Thanks Brian.

I'll continue to browse this site, am enjoying the discussions and shared knowledge. Thanks for the link too. Good article.

I've only been in PC since last November and haven't had much chance to ski or explore for ski spots yet -- new job keeping me busy. The few times I got out was on salt water on North Bay (the northernmost part of St. Andrew's Bay). There are some fresh water lakes north of here but I haven't been able to find one with public access or a ski course -- still searching though.
Actually, most of the Bay is undeveloped and I've been able to find some good glass out in the open water on wind-less or light days (very few boat wakes). The free-skiing is great, but I'm thinking about getting a portable slalom course. I use to ski on a slalom course on Lake Conway in Orlando when I lived there. After skiing through the course, nothing else satisfies... :headbang:

If you're planning to be in the area in the future and want to ski a few sets, let me know.

[BriEOD]

Jim,

I'll keep it in mind. A good friend of mine just got transferred to Tyndall and eventually I'll have to go visit. PC is a nice area.

[east tx skier]

Jim, you can order skins through your dealer. Depending on the year model of your boat, only white may still be available. When I ordered some new skins in January, they did not come with the heat stamped logo as did the originals.

I have replaced one skin with the high end marine vinyl available from my local shop and it just doesn't match up.

You can certainly have a great looking material if you let your local shop do it. What I'd suggest is that you don't mix and match. Either order it all from MC or get it all done locally.

Good luck.