improvements

[Jack]

Hello. I am a new member with Huntington Bay, NY as my hailing port. I want to make some improvements to my 1998 Albin TE 28 (with 2003 Yanmar 315). I hope that this forum is okay for me to ask for help.
The blue hull has become chalky from sun and/or salt water. It's not bad at all up toward the bow where it is away from most sun and splashes. I tried a boat show special process that didn't last. Also, tried a Simonize type of process but the chalkiness came right back. Is there anything short of painting or gelcoating? If I have to paint and awlgrip, is there a less expensive but capable supplier to do the job in the NY area?

The springlifts no longer work on the engine box cover. My marina tried 3 times and are unable to replace them. The box is too heavy or the movement of the box causes the lift joint to pop out of the hardware. Is there a good brand of lift to use as a replacement? What size would be right?

Thanks for any help with those questions.

Jack

[RobS]

As far as the hull fading, use the search function, there is quite a bit of reading here on AOG.

As far as the spring lifts, here is a link to Attwood's page. My 2000 engine box model has the following ID on the spring lifts and they work just fine:

Spring lift
Gas springs (2)
SL-25-90
M 3566MQ 0410N 024/00

http://www.attwoodmarine.com/store/category/gas-springs

[Jack]

Thanks, Rob.