Waxing topside while the boat is in the water

[LaColla]

I'm curious to hear how other folks wax their topsides, waterline to deck, when the boat is in the water. I have tried hanging off the the deck of the boat, reaching form the slip fingers and using a kayak. None of which are easy. I just bought a bosun chair and will try using that next time.

Any better alternatives out there that I haven't tried?

 

[dbecker68]

But there is the problem of "pushing" the kayak away from the boat. I have used a Bosun's chair with pretty good results, especially if you have someone to help you slide along the hull. I have seen people use a floating dock, with "spuds" to hold the dock in place, and that works well, too.
Hope these ideas help.

 

[Chris Patterson]

I like using the dink. A couple or more reasons....I keep two good Tayler 8" fenders tied horizontally on the side of the dink. I then tie the dink very tightly to the big boat, and baby I'm home. I know this takes a few minutes longer, but once the fenders are on, it's nothing. I intend to spend more than a few minutes tied alongside anyway, so...I May sit in one spot for say ten minutes minimum.

The chair works, but again, if you're not somehow lashed reasonably snug to the work area, it's hard to 'bear down'..

 

[Mark Maulden]

How about big suction cups on the hull. I've seen them used for big floor panels/glass etc. put them low down and tie the dink to them.

 

[Mark Maulden]

Also tie the buffer to the lifeline using shock cord

 

[Benny17441]

Many marinas have a small raft that can be borrowed. The secret is to attach the raft to the deck in such a manner that it does not drift when you push against the hull. A dink can be used but a raft is easier to manage. A bosun's chair is definitely more uncomfortable.

 

[LaColla]

Thanks all

This week, I'll try the bosun chair. Not having a dinghy or raft- I hop that is a good alternative. I think I'll rig a line fore and aft that I can use to move along the side of the boat. I think since I'll be suspended from a halyard, there will be enough inward pressure to keep allow me to work on the side of the boat.

 

[rardiH36]

Is it possible to find a floating dock to tie up to? Then you can just sit/lie/stand on the dock and wax your topsides. Pull in the bow line tight, let out the stern line for doing the forward section. Opposite for the aft section. How I have done it. And also the method for the "professional" compounders/waxer that other owners hire in my area.

But this solution is obvious enough that probably I missed some detail of your particular situation.

 

[gettinthere]

B!tch about west marine...but they do sell a nice double suction cup handle that works pretty well for this. Decent price and it floats

 

[thinwater]

People have been killed using a buffer from a dingy. This really needs to be a manual operation. Which means far to much like work for matters of apearance.

 

[Big Windy]

...I like using the dink...

That's what I do.