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Service Season: Show your sails some love

February 1, 2016 “I am going to sail an old Star (6259), and I wonder what's the best way to make the hull as fast as possible. Must I polish it with 800 or should I use a cleaner or maybe teflon? I know it's an oldie but I think it could be reasonably fast if I just do the right job on it. I hope you have some useful tips.”

Mark Reynolds

December 8, 2015 Quantum Expert Answer

I like to sand out the bottom as much as possible with the existing gel coat or if necessary re-gelcoat or paint to get a fair and smooth hull. For sanding with the existing surface I would sand with 400, 600 and then maybe even 1000 grit sandpaper.  This will make the boat smooth but maybe not "fair".  If I'm going to paint or re-gelcoat then I will start with much coarser paper and a large sanding block to really fair out all the bumps.  If there are low areas then I use a filler. After sanding out I put on StarBrite Teflon or McLube which helps keep the hull clean and smooth.

The Discussion

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