Polishing/Waxing

[Dave]

I'm really hesitant to ask this as I can imagine the 'wax wars' that will occur as a result. However, here goes ...I have a five year-old boat I bought last year. The hull is looking good and takes a nice shine (using Meguiars One-step cleaner/wax). The deck seems a bit oxidized. How best to bring back the shine and what products have people had great success with? Practical Sailor must have done something on this subject. Does anyone know the results and how long ago they occurred?Thanks,Dave

 

[Tom Monroe]

yeah, you're into "wax wars" ...

I made a post similar to this awhile back, and everyone really went to town on it. Many opinions, all based on experience.For what its worth, after reading the posts I decided to try Island Girl. If you go to their web site, there's very good product description info. Tried it, worked great in the short term on an old, poorly maintained, heavily oxidized surface. Easy to use.Tom MonroeCarlyle Lake

 

[Steve]

Island Girl

Island Girl's pink liquid (can't remember the exact name) is great on older, chalky boats. Takes the chalk right off. However, their finishing products just don't cut it. Leaves behind a greasy residue (that's where the shine comes from). Bugs and everything else stick to that. My experience has been that once you get the chalky oxidation off, move on to a marine polish, then a marine wax. 3M makes a great polish, called Finess II (I think). Practical Sailor did give this a very high rating. After that, a good wax with the 3M marine wax, and the boat will look as good as new!

 

[David Walters]

But what about the deck including non-skid?

I've been reluctant to put anything on the non-skid, but I do want to protect it. Any suggestions here?

 

[Steve Dion]

Aflac...

Dave:You can use the IG pink on the deck. Spray it on and scrub it with a stiff brush. Let is sit for a while, scrub it again and rinse it off. This should take care of the oxidation in the deck.Then you treat the non-skid with the Non-skid sealer from Island Girl.

 

[David]

Finess

The Finess that I use is an extra fine polishing compound and works as Steve stated. The best product I have used for fiberglass restoration.