Gelcoat Correction
Reverse years of sun damage and neglect
Restore vibrant color and mirror gloss with multi-step compounding and polishing. Over 300 oxidized hulls corrected.
Remember when your yacht's gelcoat was vibrant, glossy, and deep? That finish is still there—just buried under oxidation, swirl marks, and UV damage.
Gelcoat correction is the process of mechanically removing damaged surface layers to reveal the fresh, undamaged gelcoat underneath. It's the difference between a faded hull that looks its age and a restored finish that turns heads at the dock.
Try these three simple tests to gauge your gelcoat's condition. All you need is direct sunlight and your hands.
Step 1: Visual Reflection
Stand 3–5 feet away in direct sunlight. Look at how light reflects off the surface. Can you see sharp reflections of dock lines, rails, or your outline? Or is the surface hazy and dull?
Step 2: Hand Wipe Test
Using clean, dry fingers, firmly rub a small area 3–4 times. Check your fingertips—is there white, chalky residue? The more residue, the heavier the oxidation.
Step 3: Gloss Meter
If you have access to a gloss meter, take a reading on a test area. Professional-grade readings confirm what your eyes and hands tell you.
| Test | Light | Moderate | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Clear, sharp reflection | Hazy, dull reflection | Flat, no reflection |
| Hand Rub | No visible residue | Light chalk on fingers | Heavy chalk residue |
| Gloss (GU) | 70–85 | 55–70 | Below 55 |
If 2 out of 3 tests fall into one category, that's your oxidation level. Not sure? We'll assess it dockside for free.
Book a Free AssessmentColor Depth Returns
Faded blues become vibrant again, whites become brilliant
Mirror Gloss
Reflections become sharp and clear instead of hazy
Smooth to Touch
Chalky texture disappears, replaced by glassy smoothness
Years Removed
A 10-year-old boat can look nearly new again
Value Protected
Maintains your investment and improves resale appeal
Proven Results
Test sections prove the transformation before we start
Over 300 oxidized hulls corrected throughout South Florida
From lightly faded express cruisers to heavily chalked sportfish that hadn't been polished in a decade
Surface Evaluation
Gloss meter readings for objective baseline
Tape & Protect
All trim, teak, and fittings carefully masked
Heavy Cut Compound
Remove deep oxidation and damage
Medium Polish
Refine scratch marks and swirls
Fine Polish
Achieve maximum gloss and clarity
LED Inspection
Panel-by-panel quality check
Protection Application
Sealant or ceramic prep coating
Documentation
50/50 comparison photos proving results
Heavy Oxidation
Chalky, dull finish
Swirl Marks
From improper washing
Water Spots
Etched into gelcoat
Light Scratches
From dock contact
Faded Color
UV exposure damage
Staining
Rust or tannin marks
Results depend on oxidation severity. We'll always show you a test section before proceeding with full correction.
Light Oxidation
Excellent improvement
Medium Oxidation
Dramatic results
Heavy Oxidation
Significant restoration
Deep Scratches
May need wet sanding
Essential Maintenance
- ✓Regular washing (monthly minimum)
- ✓Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives
- ✓Apply sealant quarterly
Recommended Protection
Consider ceramic coating for long-term protection. After investing in correction, ceramic coating provides:
- • 18-36 month durability
- • UV protection prevents re-oxidation
- • Easier cleaning and maintenance
- • Better long-term value
$35 to $75 per foot
Pricing depends on:
Oxidation Severity
Coverage Area
Hull sides vs. full exterior
Final Protection
Sealant or ceramic prep
Access Complexity
Test Sections First
See results before committing to full correction
Gloss Meter Readings
Objective measurements prove improvement
Professional Equipment
Rupes, Flex, and Makita polishers
Marine Compounds
3M, Meguiar's, and Farecla formulations
Photo Documentation
50/50 comparison photos
100% Satisfaction
We don't stop until you're thrilled
Can all oxidation be removed?
Most oxidation can be corrected significantly. Light to medium oxidation typically sees 85-95% improvement. Heavy oxidation may require wet sanding (additional cost) or may not be fully correctable if the gelcoat is too thin.
Will correction remove the gelcoat layer?
We remove microns of damaged gelcoat—typically 1-3 mils on a surface that's 15-20 mils thick. Proper correction is safe and can be repeated multiple times over a yacht's life.
How long do correction results last?
The gloss is permanent until new damage occurs. However, without protection (wax or ceramic coating), UV will begin oxidizing the surface again within months. We always recommend sealing freshly corrected gelcoat.
Should I wax or ceramic coat after correction?
Both work, but ceramic coating lasts much longer (18-36 months vs. 3-4 months for wax). After investing in correction, ceramic coating provides better long-term value and protection.
How can I tell how oxidized my boat is?
Try our three-step test: check reflections in direct sunlight (sharp = light, hazy = moderate, flat = heavy), rub the surface with dry fingers and look for white chalk residue, and if you have a gloss meter, readings of 70–85 GU indicate light, 55–70 moderate, and below 55 heavy oxidation. If 2 out of 3 tests agree, that's your level. We also assess oxidation for free during every dockside estimate.
Exterior Detailing
Maintain your corrected gelcoat with regular professional detailing.
Ceramic Coating
Lock in your correction results with ceramic protection that lasts 18-36 months.
Teak Care
Complete your vessel refresh by restoring teak decks alongside gelcoat work.
Palm Beach County
Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and more
Broward County
Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, and more
Miami-Dade County
Miami, Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, and more
100% Satisfaction or We Redo It Free
Backed by $3M in marine liability insurance, every job meets our quality checklist before we call it done. If you are not completely satisfied, we come back and redo the work at no charge.
Ready to Restore Your Yacht's Shine?
See the dramatic transformation with a free test section
Book an InspectionBook this week for priority scheduling