1. Scrape the old letters off
2. Wipe area with solvent 202
3. Rub some fiberglass-rubbing compound it and polish off
4. Wipe again with solvent
5. Tape a line for the letters to be straight
6. Apply letters
7. Take picture for Tara (wife)
I then went to work on the prop and shaft. It was a mess from last summer's warm water. I had to scrape and then sand off the growth and old paint. Once clean, I taped over the area for the zinc anode. Next, I wiped it off with solvent and then sprayed on the zinc coat. Two hours later I would spray on another coat. At this point the battery had been charging for over an hour, so I turned it down to 2 amps for a trickle charge. I started over 12.2 volts, so I did not have to overdo it. I then went to work on waxing the sides. First, I like to use solvent on the heavy soiled areas. These are mostly the gunk from rubbing into old rubber wheels at the dock. After that I apply the cleaner wax (Royal Satin One Step). Then I use a clean part of terry cloth and wipe off any extra wax before buffing. I started with an old terry cloth bonnet on the buffer, but when I switched to the micro fiber bonnet I was amazed how well it worked. I only needed two bonnets for the whole boat. I would only work a small section at a time. In between sections I would get a new rag and have a drink of beer. It is tough work, so my shoulders appreciated the quick rest between areas. After about two hours, the boat looked good. Here are some tips: 1. Make sure all supplies are handy before you start. 2. Tape the cleaner wax to the top of your ladder. I have dropped it in the past and it is too expensive to waste. 3. Do not apply too much or it will not work as well. 4. If you apply too much, use the rag to wipe it completely off. 5. Have at least 20 rags on hand if not more. It is much easier to clean with a new rag than to try and use elbow grease with a dirty one. I use a rag every 3-4 feet. 6. Get a micro fiber bonnet. They cost more, but work much better than terry cloth. I will try a micro fiber cloth next time. 7. Wear gloves. I got the $10 gloves from Home Depot and have not regretted it. 8. Don't rush. It was nice to have the time to rest and drink a beer during rag changes. I then put the zinc on the shaft, painted the transducer, lubed the seacocks, and put out the fenders and lines. Some other tips I have learned over the years: 1. Bring 4 extensions cords, a power strip, and a three-way extender. Sounds like a lot of cords, but I use them all. a. One long cord to get power from the pole to the boat. b. Power strip helps when the yard is busy and you need to make an outlet for yourself. c. The extender gets plugged in by the boat to allow for multiple cords. d. A short cord goes to the battery charger. e. Another cord is for the buffer f. The final cord is to reach to the radio. 2. Get all supplies before starting. Driving to Samalot and back a few times can waste an hour or two. 3. A radio makes things a little less boring. 4. Make lists and instructions. It sure sucks to forget to do something or to be unable to finish something. 5. Bring a beer or four. I like to crack a beer towards the end of the work. It also is something to share with anyone that may help you in the yard.
