Dealing with water spots on cove stripe

[stickinthemud57]

My black cove stripe really shows water spots, and cleaning them off is part of my winter maintenance. I decided to use what was on hand this year, and started by rubbing with 30% vinegar (6x stronger than standard). I was surprised how much better that worked than trying to scrub or buff them off as I had done in the past.

I followed with Starbrite Premium Restorer Wax, then with 303 Protectant. I found it necessary to go back in a few places a second time with the 303 and let it sit for 10 minutes or so before wiping. NOTE - This was done in the shade on a mild day. Polishes, waxes, and other treatments don't like heat or direct sun.

The whole job took about 2.5 hours. I'm VERY happy with the results.

I would be interested to learn about any seasonal hull maintenance tips other may wish to share.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

As far as gel coat stains on the hull, my first go to is :

It's an extremely fine cut polish and you could rub until hell freezes over without danger of cutting through the gel coat.

If the stain is tougher, my next choice is :

This is slightly more aggressive and given enough time, I think it could cause gel coat problems regardless of what the label says. I use it to complete gel coat repairs. Quickly removes a 2000 grit surface and leaves a mirror polish. It's the quick removal of the 2000 grit surface which makes me a little bit more cautious when using it.

 

[stickinthemud57]

The Meguiars products are great. I was hunting around for my #49 Oxidation Remover and could not find it, so tried the 30% vinegar. Saved me a lot of buffing.