HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

[Rico]

I live in South Florida and new to boating.
I would like some advise as to care for my boat.
It is not new, 1999 Mako and I am having a little trouble finding a cleaner that works.
I've tryed everthing any one has suggested but nothing seems to work 100%.
I would like to know if anyone out there has any product they can recommend. to remove the black guide marks, stains on the haul and salt better then what I've tryed. I would just like my boat to look clean inside and out.
Please help if you can
Thank You
Rico

 

[marine4003]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

Rico,
i have owned over 25 boats , all have been maintained by me...i have tried every quick fix elixir out there,and no matter what anyone say's there is only one way to clean / wax boats:
wash boat w/ strong soap, (dishwash) Dry.
If oxidized: compound hull with 3M Superduty/remove w/buffer.Polish with 3M Finesse-it polish....by now it should look good..finish up with Collinite Boat Wax (available on e-bay) after the first coat is applied..do another, yea its a weekend of hard work,but done right it will last a full season,remember only to wash boat with boat soap,,,so you dont remove wax.Have Fun.

 

[angler53]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

I have been studying and asking the same questions. My boat's only a year old and it has a lot of oxidation even being stored in the garage.
I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on this;

http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-pad-kit.html

http://www.autogeek.net/fiberglass-restoration-system.html

 

[fishmen111]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

I just finished using McGuires Oxidation Remover. I have used the 3M many times, but I must say, I'll use McGuires from now on. Nice stuff.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

I like a watersoluble (and no waxes in it) buffing compound called aquabuff for buffing out the oxidation, also use 3m marine compound. definately finish up with finesse it 2 - expensive, but leaves a great shine. For wax, I've had good luck lately with the 3m marine wax that has teflon in it... I've used a number of others that have worked too. once the gelcoat is oxidized, it'll always be a little more pprous and take more wax and polish to keep shiny looking...

 

[dingbat]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

If finish up with Collinite Boat Wax (available on e-bay) after the first coat is applied..do another, yea its a weekend of hard work,but done right it will last a full season,remember only to wash boat with boat soap,,,so you dont remove wax.Have Fun.

 

[Rico]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

Thanks for the info.
Most helpfull.
Rico

 

[Andre2174]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

I do this for a living. I've worked on just about every kind of boat, big small power sportfisher cc sail, you name it. Here's my advice. If your boat is not oxidized then there is no other option but Collinites 870 cleaner wax. Be sure to use a real applicator to apply. Let dry and remove with terry cloth rag. When you're done with the gelcoat, scrub the deck and rinse the entire boat. The cold water will make the wax hard. You will not get a better look on a newer boat.

If your boat is oxidized. Use Aqua Buff 2000, it's the best stuff on the market. Add a little water to the compound before you start. This will prevent the compound from drying too fast. It's very important that you use a high speed buffer and a double sided wool buffing wheel. Apply compound in sections with a paint brush. Be sure to get an even spread. Remove compound with buffer until all the gelcoat is done. Then wax the boat with Four Seasons TreWax. Apply and remove to sections, do not wax the entire boat and try to remove. I actually try not to let the wax dry before removing. When you're done, scrub the deck, rinse and dry the boat. I promise you will not get a wetter cleaner look. Sorry if this was a little long.

 

[erlindbl]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

For keeping black marks off the desk and for general ease of clean up I would recommend the Strabrites Marine Polish with Teflon. It is available at Overtons. I used to have to scrub like crazy to get the black scuff marks off. Since I put the teflon polish on clean up is much easier. I have had less of a problem with water spots too.

Warning, however, it is a little more difficult than wax to take off.

 

[marine4003]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

I do this for a living. I've

If your boat is oxidized. Use Aqua Buff 2000, it's the best stuff on the market. .

Andre - Being an old dog....new tricks thing going on.....Never heard of Aqua Buff...who makes it ? Generally i stay away from West Marine & Boaters World (outrageous prices) so if there's another source,i'd like to know,i'll give it a shot. Thanks Amigo.

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

silly question but how does one know if their boat is oxidized or not? i bought my boat used and never thought to ask.

is it better to have the boat oxidized or not oxidized?

either way, how do i get it to be oxidized or non-oxidized?

used that word a lot, sorry, ha.

 

[salty87]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

silly question but how does one know if their boat is oxidized or not? i bought my boat used and never thought to ask.

is it better to have the boat oxidized or not oxidized?

either way, how do i get it to be oxidized or non-oxidized?

used that word a lot, sorry, ha.

uh-oh, you don't want to boat in oxidized waters if your boat isn't!!...j/k


oxidized just means the finish has dulled. tiny cracks and imperfections on the surface develop from sun and water use/abuse. compounds and sanding remove the imperfections restoring the shine.

remove a light base or sticker and you'll see what your gelcoat looked like when it left the factory.

 

[mthieme]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

I agree with marine4003.
Most of the cleaners are overpriced and don't do the job.
I use muriatic acid on the tough spots and toilet bowl cleaner with bleach on the rest.

 

[Scorpion 210 LTD]

Re: HELP--Best cleaner, polish and wax????

There is some great advice about product above. You need a good safe tool for applying the product. I picked up one of these http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/port/7424_car_buffer.htm?E+coastest this spring and the thing is great. I had one of those Wally's cheapies that I now use to remove the lion's share of the product after using the Porter Cable to apply.