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Last summer we bought a 2003 293 with the beautiful blue racing stripes. Unfortunately the boat wasn’t cared for well and the paint or gel coat is heavily oxidized. While the weather in Northern NY breaks and we plan to get the boat out of storage soon, I need a plan to clean/paint the Volvo out drives and bring this boats hull back to life.

So, is this paint or gel coat? I’ve heard great things about 3m cleaners, polishers and waxes. What’s everyone think?

How bad can it be? Let’s see some pictures!

". . . clean/paint the Volvo out drives and bring this boats hull back to life."

I've done both. To help you, really need some pictures -- especially close ups of some heavily oxidized areas and of the outdrives.

". . . is this paint or gel coat?"

Yes. Gel coat is the glossy, protective material. Paint is, well, paint. With the proper prep, you can paint over gel coat -- depending on the condition of the gel coat.

You're in for some long days.

Boat is still in storage. But I have some from last year i can share.

If you do exactly what this guy says, it will turn out with a like new finish on the gel coat. As for the drives, be sure to use Volvo OEM paint as well as Volvo clear coat.
https://www.youtube.com/@Local_Boydidgood

That oxidation is extensive and deep. Here's what I did. (Keep in mind that the process is part science, part art.):

Wash and dry. Rubbing compound (e.g., 3M, Meguiar's, or buy commercial grade from a local detail shop) using a rotary buffer with a wool pad. (Be careful not to burn the surface.) Work from top to bottom and in small sections. Use a clean cloth to hand wipe dusty residue. Clean the pad regularly. You'll get color on the pad. That's normal. Wash and dry. Marine wax (e.g., Meguiar's).

If that doesn't remove all of the oxidation, you might have to go nuclear: wet sand and/or acetone. (I had to do that in some sections.)

The drives are hard to see, but this should work: Clean thoroughly with an x2 toilet bowl cleaner. You might need to scrub and power wash. (Don't remove the paint!) If that doesn't work, go nuclear again: Diluted muriatic acid. (Wear protective gear!)

Once clean, the biggest hassle in painting drives is the prep. There's lots of little stuff to tape and cover. As CBO noted, us a Volvo-approved primer, paint (two coats) and clear coat. (Do not paint the anodes!)

Done right, she'll look beautiful.

Here is a Cobalt whose gelcoat appears to be in far worse condition than yours. Lee almost never resorts to wetsanding, but the waterline on this boat had him looking for the sandpaper.

Combination of 3M super-duty, perfect-it and Meguire’s marine wax. Pretty satisfied with the results. I have about 10 hours in so far.

That's a remarkable improvement. Congratulations.

It's a pretty rare Cobalt that can't be brought back to life with an orbital buffer and some 3M Super Duty. Nice work!

Looking good! Not many Cobalts at my end of the St Lawrence! Massena

Anchor86 wrote: Thu May 29, 2025 5:31 am Looking good! Not many Cobalts at my end of the St Lawrence! Massena

We haven't been that far down the River yet. As far north as Singer Castle and south as Lake Ontario. Hoping to make it up to Morristown/Brockville this summer to see some friends.

Looks Great! It’s hard work but the end result is so satisfying!.