What's the best way to get rid of "boat chalking"?

Question

I just purchased an older boat that hasn't been used in years. It has really bad chalking and fading from sitting in the sun. What is the best way to get rid of this chalking, without having to repaint the whole boat?

Answer 1

get some 3m marine fiberglass restorer w/ wax and a buffer . if it's not too bad that should do the trick! it did on mine.

Answer 2

Do what Joseph says, but please use a buffer/polisher!! ;)

Answer 3

#1  Remove anything you don't want to get wet.

#2 Wash the boat with a very good degreasing agent.

#3 Use medium duty rubbing compound.

     Go over a small hidden part (bottom of hull?) to see what  

      this is going to do.  If it works out well, "let 'er rip!

#4  You might want to go over the whole boat with a fine  

      rubbing compound when Step 3 is finished.

#5  use a very good (Good!) grade/Brand of marine wax to

       finish it off.  What you are removing is the oxidized

       part of  the gel-coat that occurs with age.