Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

[kevinwburke]

I just bought a 2004 bowrider. The hull is fairly clean but it is 10 years old and somewhat dull. What is the best way to clean and polish the boat? And do you clean the fiberglass floor the same way? (no rugs). I read a lot of differing advice on this subject. Any input is appreciated. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

I just cleaned mine this weekend. Everyone is going to have their thoughts on this one but ill tell you what I did

I started with the cockpit and deck using mothers wash and wax in one and starbright deck cleaner on the deck then washed with the mothers wash wax in one

I then moved on to the hull starting with starbright hull cleaner its nasty stuff but made the hull super white again after that I washed it again with the mothers wash wax in one

Next weekend I plan on going down there with the buffer and give her a good waxing

Buy a box of mr clean magic erasers they are great for those spots that wont come out

 

[dingbat]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

I use Collinite Fiberglas cleaner followed by a coat of collinite paste wax, wait two weeks and apply a second coat.

Floors(nonslip) I use marykate heavy duty nonskid cleaner then wax with woody wax.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

I was very impressed with the Starbrite deck cleaner.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

I simply pressure wash the floors and top deck, spray on deck cleaner, re-pressure wash.

for the hull sides, I usually do a cleaner wax on the buffer, followed by 2 coats of wax

if there is oxidation, I then break out the wet sand paper, cutting compound and elbow grease

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

soft scrub and a brush has always worked good for me on non-skid.

 

[kevinwburke]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

How do I tell if the gelcoat is gone or if it just oxidation? If it is dull with no shine does that indicate one or the other? In certain light it looks like the gelcoat (or shine) is worn off right at the edge of the top of the boat.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

Gel coat is thick. If dull, us rubbing compound followed by a good coat of wax.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

Gel coat is thick. If dull, us rubbing compound followed by a good coat of wax.

I would not say gel coat is thick. Typical is .020" to .030" thick. It can be rubbed completely off with a buffer and compound in minutes.
Be careful.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

I would not say gel coat is thick. Typical is .020" to .030" thick. It can be rubbed completely off with a buffer and compound in minutes.
Be careful.

"Thick" is relative. In my world, 0.0004" is thin. You can measure 0.03" with a yard stick.....lol

 

[phillyg]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

There's a handful of videos on youtube.com that show hull cleaning/waxing. Soft scrub and brush on the non-skid.

 

[calvinator]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

Aqua-Buff compound and polish for me.
I have a 64oz container of Mequirs Marine wax I have been using for years with great success.
Lucas SlickMist for any other wipedowns.

I really like the Aqua-Buff because it is water based and cleans up with soap and water. Compounding and polishing is messy!

For the floor, I just Ajax powder and stiff brush it.

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: Cleaning/Polishing/ Waxing question

My dad always had fiberglass boats and I was his buffer growing up. I own tin now but good onya for keeping your boats looking great.