Hi All I have just completed my first time of taking my yacht out of the water for anti fouling, general hull repairs and a hull buff. There were several blisters in the rudder that required grinding out and re glassing and as she has a cast iron keel I ground out a few rust spots, epoxy filled them and then epoxy primed before anti fouling. The anode had deteriorated quite a lot and had minor pitting of the prop which I cleaned up and had prop speed applied to (most impressive product) I got onto a sales rep in Oz after viewing a "How to buff your boat" in a forum showing the use of Presta products (Nano Technology). He drove up from Sydney to Newcastle and gave me a complete overview of there product and what suited my hull in its previous state then sold me what I needed to complete the project and at a very reasonable price may I add. The Gel coat restorer was unreal, I compared it to the M3 products and there is no match, by the way, is there anyone out there that wants a free box of the M3 products....? Anyway, the results were fantastic, check out the photo's I don't think new gel coat looks this good. If you get blinded by a reflecting hull as the sun is going down its probably mine, her name is Anastasia II, I am think I may have to change her name to (Slippery When Wet) as she is showing a very different attitude on the water. If anyone is interested all would like advice on the products and procedure please drop me a line and I can send more info. Dissy

Photo's as requested Southace

Ramona Regarding the prop speed the cost was $90.00 but you have to be licensed to purchase and apply the product.

Hi Pilgrim My prop is a 2 blade fixed, I also agree with the use of prop speed, before I decided to use the product I viewed a prop that had been in the water for 2 years and the product was holding up fine. Do you sail on Lake Macquarie....? Dissy

The key to getting a great shine on gel coat is to not use a cutter that is silicone or wax based, send me an E mail and I will forward to you the info on product and the how to buff your boat info. Dissy

The reason I asked about the prop speed was that locally I see plenty of motor cruisers having the job done. They pay $250 a prop upwards! We should probably have a thread one day on prop finishing. I have used various antifoulings, lanolin and leaving bare bronze. My yacht has a two blade folder and needs a regular scrub to keep it sweet.

For anyone that is interested in buffing your boat try using the directions included and you will be most impressed with the finish Regards Disralei BOAT POLISH WAX A) Boat Wash Stage:- Use Oxalic Acid (On /Off) direct from bottle or dilute 1) Do not let to dry keep of metal (10 Mins. Max) 2) Tape plastic to bottom mark line to stop any drips hitting underside B) Cutting Stage:- Use Presta Super Cut (600 Grit) or Gel Coat Compound (800 Grit) Use 3M wool Buff 05711 (hookit) 1) Use misting spray to keep moist 2) 600 speed then 1000 speed 3) Work machine criss cross not circular motion 4) Keep disk flat 5) No not wash buffing Pad in Hot water only hold (work your fingers into pad Spin Dry in a bucket then hand towel dry C) Fine Cut Stage:- Presta Ultra Cut , Its Best to do this also for good finish Use 3M Wool Buff 05713 (Yellow Pad) 1) As above for Applying D) Waxing Stage:- Presta Banana Wax , 2 Coats best Use Megquires 4 dia round foam applicator to Apply Remove using Mico fibre Rags 1) Mist Hull 2) Liberally apply Wax 3) Wait for it to haze 80% 4) Buff by Hand , Leave small strip un polished to see new over lay Note:- Do not wash Mico Fibre in Fabric Softener It Kills the Mico Fibres

you missed a bit

Thanks Ramona for the feed back, look forward to hearing what you get out of the old couple. I viewed a yacht up on the hard yesterday that had prop speed on the propeller, it had been in the water for just on 2 years and at little wear, however I could not determine how long or often the engine had been used but the prop was in excellent condition as it was encased with the coating. I will continue to use the product.

Funny, given that there are anti fouling paints that contain copper to keep the growth away, yet a bronze propeller which is mainly copper won't inhibit growth

Hi Disraeli Just sent you an email regarding the beaut look!