Appropriate cost for gelcoat wetsand job

[jmw]

Originally Posted by ttu

sounds like a good idea. what is your thoughts of a good buffer?

I'm a fan of the Porter Cable 7424 XP. It's a dual action orbital polisher so you don't have to worry about swirls near as much. On gelcoat swirls aren't as big deal because it's much tougher than paint but you can use it on your cars without the worry and it does a great job on both in my opinion. They make several different pads for it depending on what your trying to accomplish, remove oxidation, light buffing and waxing... I believe there is thread on it because I researched several before I purchased mine and a lot of folks liked it.

[FrankSchwab]

Maybe this thread will be more helpful.

Porter-Cable 7424 seems to be a popular choice for the "buy quality and keep it forever" crowd, and the Harbor Freight 92623 for the "good enough for one job" crowd.

[GoneBoatN]

Originally Posted by FrankSchwab

What are you thinking, man?

Asking a question like that on here is like asking:
1. What's the best oil?
2. What's the best oil filter?
3. MasterCraft or Nautique?
4. Ginger or Mary Ann?

This whole place is going down in flames, and it's your fault.

Definately Ginger!

[bturner2]

I have the Porter Cable and it's worked very well for me. I haven't ran into anything that an aggressive pad and compound wasn't able to take care of however some on this forum will tell you that you have to have a rotary buffer to do the job properly. While the rotary will cut much quicker (thus providing results quicker) it may also get you into trouble burning through edges. I've always been of the thought that you use the least damaging process possible to complete a job. Picking the correct tool will depend on the size or the area in question and the degree of refurb required. Based on your post and your current skill level I would feel very comfortable recommending the Porter Cable for this job.

Auto Geek has the entire kit with pads on special for $199 here....

http://www.autogeek.net/hk7424.html

Add some fiberglass rubbing compound, polishing compound and wax and you should be set to go. This way you'll learn something and still have all the gear to wax and touch up your finish in the future for what you would pay someone once to do for you.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by GoneBoatN

Definately Ginger!

Mary Ann!! There's a dirty girl in there somewhere.

Once they wetsand the transom you'll want the rest of the boat wet sanded too. I would recommend doing it all at the same time. It shouldn't cost a whole lot more either.

[ttu]

Originally Posted by FrankSchwab

What are you thinking, man?

Asking a question like that on here is like asking:
1. What's the best oil?
2. What's the best oil filter?
3. MasterCraft or Nautique?
4. Ginger or Mary Ann?

This whole place is going down in flames, and it's your fault.

thank you for the smart a#$ answer!

jmw and bturner2 thank you for giving me good input.

[ZachDaddy]

Penzoil

Wix

MasterCraft

Ginger....so so sweet Ginger!!