Radar Arch finish is loosing its shine?

[Lost Islanders]

We just recently purchased a 2008 260DA and have joined the Sea Ray boating phenom. What an awesome boat. An odd thing seems to be occurring with the paint finish on the radar arch. It seems to be loosing its shine in the middle areas but is still shiny around the snaps and metal antenna mount? The line between a shiny area and area without shine is getting easier to see. Has anyone seen something like this before? Is there something that can be done to restore the shine?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[bbwhitejr]

I have an '06 and when we got it, the only oxidation I could find was on the top of the arch. I did, however, compound, polish, and wax the entire arch. Removed all of the snaps, shined it up, and then recaulked the snaps and replaced. You do not have paint, but rather gel coat. Try compounding first. If that does not work, I would try wet sanding both followed by a good polish and wax. You will need a buffer to do it right and you should be able to make it look like new.

Bennett

 

[dpmulvey]

I can't speak to the newer arches, but the 1999 era are not as they appear. Mine is an AL skin over a frame covered with filler then a skin of gelcoat.

I bring this up only to recommend caution as you proceed. Either remove everything, wet sand, fill and fare and shoot paint....or....leave everything on and compounds/polish/wax over and around it. From what I've seen, there is no medium ground.

Good luck. BTW.......option 1 is definitely a winter job.

 

[Lost Islanders]

Thanks Bennett & David - I just returned from the boat lot and I'm happy to report that with a little polishing compound, wax, and muscle, the finish can be restored. It's just wierd that there was such a distinctive line where the oxidation exists and where the finish still was shiny. I'll set aside some time next weekend to polish and wax the arch (and maybe the rest of the 260 if I get the ambition).

Thanks again for your feedback - I'm pleased it wasn't something serious requiring more work and $$$.

Dean.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Good deal! Cheap fixes are the best!

Bennett

 

[Lazy Daze]

Where you see the "shiny" part is probably where the canvas was attached so it was protected from the UV. The "dull" area was exposed 24/7 (and apparently not waxed too often).

 

[Lost Islanders]

Yep, the more I look at the finish, the more I agree it was a lack of it getting some care. The first pass I made did make a difference. I can still notice a slight trace of oxidation. I'm going to use some 3M restoration compound in the next week or so; this should bring it back to new. Plan to put it up for sale. This was our 1st season w/ a 260 and we are sold. Looking to move up to a 310. Will keep an eye out for oxidation as we shop!

 

[Sublimetime]

BIGGER is better