Dash board smooth fiberglass

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BoatCrazy

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On the older searays, the entire front dash is smooth fiberglass, I dont know if there is a gelcoat on it. Anyways, its faded a bit, and I want to get it back to a shine.

Ive tried cleaning it today with no luck. Ive used finesse, 3m heavy duty compound, cleaner waxes, and nothing. Its almost like it needs an oil type product to help penetrate into the fiberglass..

Any suggestions, ideas, thoughts, comments, anything??

Thanks guys!
 
I'm quite sure it has gelcoat. I've seen glecoat looking like new with a coat or two of Awl Grip paint. g00gle it for more info.......
 
I know all about awl grip, but I am not about to start painting the dash board..
 
after all is said and done painting will probably give the best long term look.
 
Saw a product called Gelcoat Rejuvinator that a member on the Bayliner site just tried and was blown away by the short term results on his dash. Almost as expensive as liquid gold though.
 
If rubbing compound won't do it, wet sanding is the next step. If wet sanding, followed by compound and wax won't fix it, paining or covering it is the only solution.
 
quote:
Originally posted by camman73

Saw a product called Gelcoat Rejuvinator that a member on the Bayliner site just tried and was blown away by the short term results on his dash. Almost as expensive as liquid gold though.

Click to expand...
Looks like Polyglo with a new name???
 
Matt,

If your boat is accurate in your profile then we have nearly the same boat. I tried all the usual stuff (Finesse it, wax, compound) as well with minimal success. Are you speakinbg about the spot to the left side of the helm and immediatly to the right sie of the cabin entranceway? I was thinking about mounting a piece of lexan there that I could slide a chart into.

If you think of any good ideas let me know.

--Steve
 
Hey Steve, yeah, we have pretty much the same boat.

I am looking to get rid of mine. I tried donating it, but they arent taking boats at this time. I was told they will contact me when they can. So in the meantime, Ill list the boat. Just looking for something that will shine it up for a few weeks / months so its presentable to show.

We are talking about the same area. Also all the rough fiberglass behind the dash, and under the windshield is dull. Mine is green so its 10000% noticeable. If it was a grey no one would tell..
 
Have you tried non-skid cleaner on the grey behind the windshield?

What are you thinking of selling it for and what condition is the boat in?

--Steve
 
Have you tried non-skid cleaner on the grey behind the windshield?

What are you thinking of selling it for and what condition is the boat in?

--Steve
 
Im asking 25K for the boat. Shes not in bad shape at all. To be honest, I havent used the boat in a few years. If I put 10 hours a season on the boat its a lot. Looking to move up to something more practical. The express style was great at first, but I want a bridge.
 
Ahhhh...colored gel coat, you should have said so, it makes a difference.

AFTER you have cleaned, compounded and preferably even wet sanded, THEN hit it up with some woody wax. You will need to repeat every couple months, but I think you will be surprised.

Colored gel just does not last as long and gets chalky. Best to paint if you can.
 
Matt,

I had a boat with a maroon dash that faded in spots to almost white. Believe it or not 303 Protectant brought it back. I helped a friend out with another dark dash that was faded with the same results. It only takes a couple of minutes too. I would hope you have some laying around you can use to give it a try.
 
Really, 303? Would never in a million years even thought of using that.

Its worth a shot, thanks Kurt
 
Let me know how you make out. I remember being both amazed and relieved. But there's a chance the situations are different.
 
Any light solvent based material will give it the wet look and bring back the color. The trick is to find a product that does not leave behind a material that will build or leave a residue that may cause issues over time. Some folks used to recommend penetrol, until they used it long enough to discover that over time it discolored and was difficult to remove. Beware the long term effects if not known.
 
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