Help and advice on new purchase of 96 Prostar 190

[Juiced190]

MasterCraft team members I need advice and help. Recently purchased a 96 Prostar 190 (700 hrs). The boat has a few issues that need to be addressed and I'm hoping I can get some help and advice here getting her ready for spring. Like many of you my time and budget is limited, so I need to maximize both. The boat seems solid, test drove it for an hour or so before the purchase and the engine (350 tbfi) ran smooth and cranked right up after sitting unused for 12-16 months. The transmission (hurth 1:1) shifted smooth as well. All I've done to date is changed the oil, drained the water from the block, exhaust manifolds, added 5 gallons of rv antifreeze, and fogged the engine by pouring Marvel Mystery oil into the throttle body. The boat is usable as is but I want to improve the overall running and visual condition. The known needs at this time are seat bottoms will need new upholstery as well as the transom pad, shaft needs repacking, steering is tight, and the major issue is the hull needs gel coat work. The gel coat has no major cracks, gouges, or holes, but is very rough below the water line. It seems a previous owner used either a grinder or drill with a wire brush or something to remove dirt, mud, grime. Don't ask why or what happened because I simply can't explain it. The gel coat issue is where I need the most advice. I've read several threads on wet sanding and even hull damage repair but just not sure where to begin. The truth is I've never seen anything quite like it. Any and all positive help is encouraged and appreciated.

[Juiced190]

[Juiced190]

[Juiced190]

Recent update. Apparently the boat had been sitting in dirty lake water that had created a stain, so the previous owner put 80 grit sandpaper on an orbital sander and went to work. As you can see there are many swirl marks and sum are deeper than others. I'm wondering if I should just begin wet sanding? Has anyone experienced anything like this before? Thanks

[mikeg205]

Hit it again with the 80 grit in the low spots... fill in with new gel. Same thing where the gel is missing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWEE6SFUdpg great video is a great start. There are bunch videos on youtube.

[BrianM]

Ouch. Might want to have a pro look at the bottom where the previous own went to town. That is not going to wet sand and buff out.

[Juiced190]

Originally Posted by BrianM

Ouch. Might want to have a pro look at the bottom where the previous own went to town. That is not going to wet sand and buff out.

Cost is the main issue. I haven't taken it for an estimate but I'm guessing with all the labor involved it would be expensive. I have more time and the willingness to work and learn than I have extra cash.

[Juiced190]

Has anyone ever re-gelcoated or paid to have their boat re-gelcoated? Here's an interesting and informative article I found.

http://www.bertram31.com/proj/tips/re-gelcoating.htm

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by Juiced190

Has anyone ever re-gelcoated or paid to have their boat re-gelcoated? Here's an interesting and informative article I found.

http://www.bertram31.com/proj/tips/re-gelcoating.htm

Friend on Facebook has his re-gel - still sanding...but it looks out standing.

[Juiced190]

Originally Posted by mikeg205

Friend on Facebook has his re-gel - still sanding...but it looks out standing.

Thanks Mike,
He's doing it or paying to have it done? If he's doing it I'd like to know all about how he did it.