Time and costs

Maximus is a 28ft boat with off-white gelcoat. We applied a three step system for the purposes of this article. I was working at the top of the ladder for most of the time, which adds to the fatigue of the process, especially when using a 2.2kg electric polishing machine On top of that we took photos and video clips of our progress, so the time we took should only be taken as a very rough guide– in most cases it can be done more quickly.

1: Wash and decontaminate Thoroughly remove grime and dust using boatwash. Frequent washing prolongs the life of the gelcoat by removing contaminants before they have a chance to bond or etch to it. Remove stains with a proprietary stain remover.

Time: 4 hours, including decks and topsides

Product: Clean to Gleam boatwash, 1lt £20, brush and sponge

2: Stage 1: compound

Use a rubbing compound to abrade the gelcoat. This typically contains aluminium oxide, which does the ‘cutting back’. For mild oxidation, you can skip Stage 2.

Time: 6 hours

Product: 1lt Profile Select (£30) or 1lt Profile Premium Paste (£48); G Plus electric rotary polishing machine (£172); 8in G mop twisted wool pad (£20); G Plus spurring brush (£15)

3: Stage 2: finish

Use a fine compounding liquid to remove light marks in the gelcoat left over from Stage 1 and increase gloss. Time: 4 hours

Product: 1lt Profile Finish Liquid (£24); Farécla rotary polisher (as above), 8in G mop lambswool pad (£20)

4: Wax

For best results wax 2-3 times a year to stop UV light attacking the surface. Time: 4 hours

Product: 1lt Profile Polymer UV Wax, 1l (£30); 3-pack G Plus finishing cloths (£12)

Total cost of tools & products £279 (1 stage using Profile Select) to £341 (2 stage using Profile Paste). Typical cost of cut-back, polish and wax at boatyard @ £13/ft = £750-£1,000

■ Prices obtained from a range of online suppliers. These may vary. Compound, finish and wax products by Farécla.