I purchased a 1990 champion 168 with a mariner 150 for 500$ for a camp boat to keep on lake darbonne, but I’m in the process of restoring with new carpet, flooring, switches, etc. and the gel coat was badly oxidized. After scouring the internet and some YouTube tutorials everything pointed to wet sanding, followed by polish and wax. So I wet sanded the boat from 600-3000 grit, compounded with miguires 100 then 9, and waxed with a wet wax but I can’t get it to shine like that showroom finish and I worried I may have went too deep. I would like the boat to look showroom ready but it is just a camp boat, any help is appreciated!

for a $500 30-year old boat I'd say it looks pretty good.  Can you feel the metal flake with your hand if you run your hand along it?

I think you are asking too much for gel coat that age.  Personally I think it looks good.  I think you did a great job.

No I don’t believe I can feel the metal flake, there are spots where it’s still rough I may be able to feel something.

 

thank you jig man, I appreciate it!

 

3 hours ago, Hunterfisher123 said:

No I don’t believe I can feel the metal flake, there are spots where it’s still rough I may be able to feel something.

 

thank you jig man, I appreciate it!

 

 

In that case I'd say you're there.  You still have gel coat on the outside and its pretty shiny smooth. I'd keep up on the waxing until you get a good layer built up and roll with it.

You might want to take  a look at Bow to Stern.  It is a sealant.  I have been using it for years.  Three coats are needed to seal it properly.  I add a new coat about once a month.

Jig man, would you use sealant before or after wax?

 

would their be a wax you recommend? I was using “butter wax” but it’s just not shining like I would have thought, it’s more of a Matt with no real reflection 

@Jig Man Most times I wipe the boat off with a damp cloth and reapply BTS keeps the boat looking fresh. I’ve also notice how easy it is to get any kind of dirt off after starting using BTS.