VS721 1st Time Application

Skipper April 10, 2017 Ask The Skipper

Jim Corrigan asked:

I’m about to apply VS 721 for the first time. I just bought a 2005 Cobalt 255 that I’ve been told has never had any wax, paint or had any other product applied before. I’ve been told it was mostly lift kept, but in the fall it was professionally cleaned each year with an acid wash. The hull looks very clean and is in very good shape. My questions are: (1) what kind of cleaning/preparation needs to be done to the hull before applying the VS721? (2) I have been told that I will have to apply 2 coats of VS721 this year (and only 1 coat in subsequent years) and that it has to sit out of the water for at least 48 hours. How much time should elapse between putting on the fist coat and the second?

Answer:

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Scrub it with Boat Scrub and a Marine Power Mitt or sponge. Rinse it well and allow to dry thoroughly. This will remove any residue left by the acid washing, surface oxidation and any other pollutants that may inhibit the attachment of VS721. Boat Scrub will also clean out the pores in the gelcoat that have been etched by the repeated acid washing and UV attack due to the lack of protection.

VS721 is easily applied with a damp sponge. When it dries to a haze, wipe off the haze with a terry towel or microfiber cloth. After a minimum of 24 hours apply a 2nd coat the same way. This waiting time allows the first coat to begin curing so the 2nd coat layers on top of the 1st for maximum protection. Allow to cure for a minimum of 48 hours before launching. VS721 will seal the pores in the gelcoat to prevent osmosis blisters and re-nurture the gelcoat to prevent stress cracks.

Re-application is subsequent years is the same as the 1st. Scrub of the residue of the old VS721 and any dirt, pollutants, scuff marks etc. and apply 2 coats of VS721. Regular application of VS721 has been proven to keep bot bottoms factory new for over 25 years.

If your boat is used in salt water, you may wish to apply VS721 on the entire hull right up to the rub rail. It’s a very durable and low surface energy polish so salt will not stick and etch the gelcoat. When you return to dock, simply rinse the hull with a garden hose and the salt will fall off. If you’re in fresh water then Premium Boat Shine will provide sufficient protection for the hull. It’s also polymer based and does not contain any Carnauba wax.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar