Wax for topside, non skid areas.

[Bob Mack]

A question for the rites of Spring:

I have used Collinite Heavy Duty Paste Wax 885 for hull waxing since my boat was new and am very pleased with the performance. I apply with a Porter Cable 5" foam oscillating buffer, hand buff off and final polish with a sheepskin buffer pad.

885 also works fine for the "gloss" gelcoat on the topsides. However, if I get it into the non skid areas it is almost impossible to buff or remove, and gets uglier over time. (Collinite Liquid Fleet wax 870 (Cleaner Wax) is great for spot, stain and scar removal, but doesn't get out the 885, and also infills in the non skid)

My question: Any recommendations for a protective, wax or otherwise, for use on the non skid?

As far as the non skid, I think improving stain resistance and ease of cleaning are arguably as significant as protection? And, I don't want to have to invest hours on mico detailing.

 

[Berndahle]

I use Woody Wax non-skid. You just hose down the deck, spray this on, distribute with a brush and hose off after a few minutes. It works great and couldn't be easier to apply. Just make sure you don't wait too long to hose off again otherwise it will get slippery.

 

[navigator97]

Bob, There is a Canadian product that I have used for years. It used to be carried by West Marine, etc. but I have not seen it for quite awhile. The last I bought it was directly from the Mfgr. It is Aurora Sure Step - made by Aurora. It is specifically for non-skid. It provides the protection & makes it easy to remove dirt, etc. I have been very satisfied with it. Try their web site - I think it was aurora.com, but you can Google them.

 

[caguy]

I second woody wax. It also helps restore the color. A little pricey but pint bottle has lasted three seasons and bottle still quarter fulll.

 

[RON20406]

Bob, as a fellow fan of Collinite Paste Wax, you have chosen a great product for your topsides and cabintop. Although there are some that want to maintain a "look" for their nonskid, I do not believe you should use anything that will diminish its tractable properties. Therefore, I would not use anything on the nonskid other than soap, water, or nonskid cleaner. When your nonskid looses its effectiveness, you need to replace it. Most molded nonskid on boats is not really functional in real life conditions but looks nice at the dock. I am experimenting now with Treadmaster on a few areas of my boat with the thought of a complete conversion. It is tenacious, ruggedly good looking and long lasting. Others have had success with KiwiGrip-an Aussie product that can be rolled on. Good luck and good sailing, Ron

 

[AXEL]

I have a strong 2nd for Sure Step. This product was recommended to me by someone here, maybe Navagator97. I cannot say enough good about this product! I have used Woody Wax and found it to be expensive, but more so it only seemed to last about 6 weeks. I applied the recommended 2 coats of Sure Step last season and to my surprise when I took the cover off last month and hosed her down...water was still beading on deck!! This stuff resists blood, red wine, bird poop, etc. It even beads up Cetol which if you've used it you know how hard it is to get off a spot during application. It does exactly as advertized, protects the deck, isn't slippery, lasts all season. Put it on with a deck brush, wait till it dries, use a deck brush to buff off, real easy!

 

[Steve Dion]

There are a few of options.

Woody Wax - as Axel mentioned

Island Girl Products

Aurora Marine Products

They all make products to clean and seal the non-skid.

 

[AXEL]

Steve, I'm endorsing Sure Step NOT Woody Wax.
Woody Wax IMO very expersive, lasted only about 6 weeks. And in my case it ran down the sides of the boat leaving a dirty, dark, waxy stain.
Sure Step, although not cheap lasted a year and did the job 100%.

 

[Berndahle]

I just did a search on the subject. Here's a link to another forum discussion...
http://www.thehulltruth.com/archive/t-64112.html

 

[Rick D]

I used Island Girl non-skid cleaner and sealer and found it excellent. However, after never shipping an order, I turned to Woody Wax. It has held up for a while, but I don't think it is as good as Island Girl.

I did recently purchase the Aurora product and will be trying it out. Meanwhile, I sent a query to Sure Step and this is what I received by reply:

Hello Rick,

Thanks for your email and interest in our Sure Step product. Sure Step will give a non slip treatment for almost every surface that you could imagine however due to the unnatural make-up of fiberglass it will not work in the environment that you are inquiring about.

Our product is a treatment and not a coating. The only application that will work with fiberglass on a boat would be some type of coating that will bond with the fiberglass. We do not offer this type of solution at the present time.

If you have any further questions please be sure to let me know.

Best regards,

Roger Duguay
Senior Marketing Consultant

 

[AXEL]

Interetsing read. So if you don't mind applying several times per season, Woody Wax is ok. I think what a lot of people like about Woody Wax is it gives the deck a nice shine. IMO, that's about it. I'm not into putting this stuff on a couple of times a season, once with Sure Step is enough for me. I'm sure every one has split red wine on gelcoat. It almost bonds with the deck. I've see with my own eyes red wine bead up on my deck coated with Sure Step. Cetol also, a Cetol spill wipes ups with just paper towel. Nuff said.

 

[TFrere]

Do any of you know if Sure Step is silicone based? I'd like to try it but want to be sure there is no silicone in it as it will cause paint to fisheye. My deck is already painted but may need a second coat someday.