maintaining gel coat

[Genesis]

Hi Guys,

I have trouble keeping my 28 TE's gel coat clean, especially the stern area which
is usually blackened by diesel smoke after trips.

Which way or brand of compound/ polish is the best to remove these marks?

Smiles from Singapore,
Danny
MV GENESIS
Albin 28 TE

[Russell]

A more important consideration is why your engine is smoking. You need to be sure it is not overloaded - too large propeller or dirty propeller and hull, dirty air filter, etc. If it is overloaded the engine will can be ruined. Greased Lightning is a spray cleaner that works pretty well for smoke stains.

[jleonard]

For what it's worth.......A guy who used to do boat detailing at my marina once told me that he would never use wax on the transom of a diesel boat.
The diesel soot/water spray attacks the wax and then the soot gets trapped in those pores, and then the soot is very hard to remove.
That's what he said.
Now I need a reason to not wax the bow and sides.

[RobS]

...Now I need a reason to not wax the bow and sides.

1. If you make trips with other diesel powered vessels and do not always take the lead you can get soot staining to the bow and sides.

2. If the bow and sides are too shiny it will make the un-waxed transom look dull.

[jleonard]

If you make trips with other diesel powered vessels and do not always take the lead you can get soot staining to the bow and sides

The lead boat would have to be in reverse for me to get close enough for soot stains.

[Genesis]

Hi Guys,

Many thanks for all your kind and helpful advice, noted!

Best,
Danny