Gel Coat: 5 Tips to Protect your Investment

How can you keep that beautiful finish on your brand new Nautique looking – well – new?

It can be tough. The elements and regular use can dull even the most high-quality coating. But at Buxton Marine, we not only sell new and pre-owned Nautique boats, but we also teach you how to take care of your investment so that it retains value and beauty for years to come. Here are a few tips from our service department on how to keep your boat’s gel coat looking brand new:

1.    Keep the Boat Covered in the Off-Season

The #1 reason that gel coat fades or clouds is because of UV light. Of course, this can’t be helped when you’re out on the water, but during the off-season or when it’s not in use for extended periods, be sure to keep your boat covered. This reduces the risk of additional fading. If you don’t have a boat cover and are looking for Nautique boat covers in Lewisville, Buxton Marine has a ton in stock and we can help you find the right one for your boat. 

2.    Rinse the Saltwater Off

If you use your boat in saltwater, it’s imperative that you rinse the boat after each use. Why? Because those salt crystals dry on the gel coat and actually magnify the sun’s UV light, further breaking down the shine more rapidly.

3.    Remove Oxidation Before Waxing

When your boat sits for extended periods of time – even with Nautique boat covers in Lewisville – oxidation naturally sets in on the gel coat. This is particularly prone to happen in the winter months. In order to prevent any permanent damage from the oxidation, be sure you use an oxidation remover in the Spring before waxing! If you don’t, the wax can make that oxidation settle into the gel coat, creating permanent damage. 

4.    Wax Regularly

We know it’s a pain, but regular waxing really does help to amp up the shine and keep that gel coat looking brand new. Our best advice is to start the season off with a thick paste wax, then also use a liquid carnauba-based wax as well. The liquid-based wax helps to add an extra barrier for that bottom layer of wax, giving you added protection. You can even reapply that liquid wax multiple times throughout the season.

5.    Follow a Cleaning with a Wax

Anytime you use a boat cleaner on your Nautique, you should follow it with wax. Why? Because those boat cleaners are excellent for removing grime and dirt but don’t normally do much to support keeping the gel coat shiny. Boat cleaners and degreasers can often unintentionally contribute to gel coat fading, but reapplying a wax afterward rebuilds the protectant barrier. 

Interested in a new Nautique wakeboard or wakesurf boat? Need Nautique boat covers in Lewisville? What about boat maintenance? Buxton Marine is here to help! Come by and see us this week for all your boating needs in DFW.