Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

[DavidPJ]

I've begun shopping around for a polisher for our boat and cars. The boat is in great condition so I'm not looking to remove heavy oxidation. I know I want a light weight dual action polisher. I'm considering the Shurhold 3100, Meguiar's Professional Dual Action Polisher, and 3D HD. I only plan on using the polisher 3-4 times per year. I know some units are very heavy duty, but light weight and ease of use is more important to me.

What polishers do you like? Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

Harbor freight or Northern Tool both work fine Variable speed polishers

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

I've begun shopping around for a polisher for our boat and cars.

What polishers do you like? Thanks for your suggestions.

If your Boat is painted then ok .. go for the sure hold or whatever.

If your Boat is Gel then its not a car DA polisher that you want.

I can use a rotary Buffer on your car .. but you cant use your Polisher on my boat kinda thing.

Get a Buffer for a few bucks more IMO .. they have Many pads/compounds available to you for the Rotaries ..

DA is for sanding or for polishing desks ..

YD.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

Harbor Freight has the digital variable speed polisher for $59 normal price, $49 sale price.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

Harbor Freight has the digital variable speed polisher for $59 normal price, $49 sale price.

Yea..but you get what you buy ..

I would shell out more for decent buffer if your working on boats.

I have fried one of them HF specials in 2 hours of buffing. Might be OK for auto paint .. but the pressures involved for boats will smoke them things ( not to mention you will Never get the torque out of the HF jobbies ).

YD.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

its worked for the 3 boats I buffed so far.

 

[captain zac]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

DeWalt DWP849X 7”/9” Variable Speed Rotary Polisher
electric

Sunex Tools SX215A Sunex Tools SX215A 7 Inch Horizontal Air Polisher

Air

Harry

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

I have to agree the Harbor frieght polisher is ok for starters and it does come with a xtra set of brushes pads aren't that great but good for starters and mine has lasted the last 3 years and still going strong. Put the recipt in a zip lock bag and leave it in your tool box the ink actually dissapears in a few weeks when exposed to air. Don't ask how I know that .

 

[clockwatcher]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

I have a Makita. It works great. http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=589

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

its worked for the 3 boats I buffed so far.

I bought the HF rotary polisher below the one Scott mentioned (not digital, $29 on sale) and it worked great for restoring the gel on my 26 year old Sea Ray. I would not buy one at HF if I did it for a living, but it is a great tool for the regular guy.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

Put the recipt in a zip lock bag and leave it in your tool box the ink actually dissapears in a few weeks when exposed to air.

LOL HF using disappearing ink on their receipts.... Funny, but true. I wonder if their ink comes from China too

 

[bryanwess2000]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

I use a porter cable da sander/polisher 7346? with Meguiar's 105 & 205 compounds for my vehicles and boats but my boats are painted not gelcoat. I'm not brave enough to use a rotary buffer and risk burning through my clear coat. The porter cable is highly regarded in auto detail forums. Just buy an assortment of good pads and cutting compound and they can cut well. If you paint/gelcoat is in good condition all you should need is polish/sealer and wax or uv inhibitor. You can buy a porter cable for a little over $100 with pads and compounds you should be in at around $200.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

A DA will not work with gelcoat .. unless your application is wax.

I have 3 Porters .. they can not generate enough friction to melt the gel.

You Need a rotary and Know how to use it with gel ( and paint ). You also need to know your DA with pads.

Tools + materials + Application .. there is not one box that gives you all .. aside from Knowledge of the Tools and Materials.

YD.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Boat Polisher Suggestions for Non-Professional Use

Fisherdan I'm serious it does dissapear and or evaporate! The statement above is true I would not buy this if it were my way of making a living but for a few times a year you can't beat it just buy some quality pads to replace the originals and your good to go.