I'm getting ready to wax the topsides of my 1986 Hunter 28.5, which is in pretty good condition. Over the years, I've used a variety of waxes/polishes with mixed results. Most did not seem to last very long. I'd be interested in hearing from others about which waxes they've used that promise to last out the season. I'm particularly interested in waxes that can be applied by, and buffed out by, an electric buffer. Thanks.
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Waxing
I have used Collinite hard wax with great success. It lasts at least a full year in the southern California sun. It can be a little hard to get off if it dries too much. I use an electric buffer.
I have used Collinite hard wax with great success. It lasts at least a full year in the southern California sun. It can be a little hard to get off if it dries too much. I use an electric buffer.
Fleetwax
Warren I agree with Bob. Collinite's hard wax is called Fleetwax, comes in a metal can. They also make softer wax. Use their fiberglass cleaner on the cabintop before you put the wax on. make sure it's clean first, too. Works great, looks fin, we did our cabintop by hand over the course of a few weeks. Remember, it looks BIG and like LOTS of work, and it is, but it's like eating an elephant, don't get too far ahead of yourself or you'll never get started!
Stu
Warren I agree with Bob. Collinite's hard wax is called Fleetwax, comes in a metal can. They also make softer wax. Use their fiberglass cleaner on the cabintop before you put the wax on. make sure it's clean first, too. Works great, looks fin, we did our cabintop by hand over the course of a few weeks. Remember, it looks BIG and like LOTS of work, and it is, but it's like eating an elephant, don't get too far ahead of yourself or you'll never get started!
StuAnd a third for Colllinite
I just waxed my hull topsides this weekend. This is the third year I've used the Collinite Fleetwax paste. It really does last a year (at least on the hull). I put it on with a 6" random orbit buffer using the applicator bonnet (West Marine sells bonnet replacement packs and I find the blue applicator bonnet works well). I use a small putty knife to scoop the hard wax out of the can and smear it on the buffer pad. The first year I used the Collinite I started by buffing off the oxidation using the 3M Finesse-It which is a fine compound (much finer than rubbing compound). That year was a lot of work but since then I've kept a good coat of wax on the hull and it hasn't required any additional compound except in some very localized spots where a fender was sitting, etc. Once I was finished waxing the hull looked so good I felt like shrink wrapping the boat and putting it in the garage. It's a shame I have to go sailing and mess it all up again.
I just waxed my hull topsides this weekend. This is the third year I've used the Collinite Fleetwax paste. It really does last a year (at least on the hull). I put it on with a 6" random orbit buffer using the applicator bonnet (West Marine sells bonnet replacement packs and I find the blue applicator bonnet works well). I use a small putty knife to scoop the hard wax out of the can and smear it on the buffer pad. The first year I used the Collinite I started by buffing off the oxidation using the 3M Finesse-It which is a fine compound (much finer than rubbing compound). That year was a lot of work but since then I've kept a good coat of wax on the hull and it hasn't required any additional compound except in some very localized spots where a fender was sitting, etc. Once I was finished waxing the hull looked so good I felt like shrink wrapping the boat and putting it in the garage. It's a shame I have to go sailing and mess it all up again.
Mothers Products
Warren, I have used a very similiar system as Larry. I used a 7" speed controlled buffer with a 3M foam "Perfect-it" Pad. Depending on the condition of your gelcoat, this will remove fine scratches and watermarks. I followed that up with a coat of Mother's Carnuba Cleaner wax (liquid, if by machine) and then top it off with Mother's pure Carnuba. The waxing is effortless with a smooth shiny gelcoat. For the first time our hull looks like it was waxed before touching it this year. We rinsed it off and repeated the cleaner and carnuba steps only. You do need to get the gelcoat in good condition with the glazing polish. Preface it with machine type compound if necessary. I tried most waxes on the market and nothing holds up like the pure carnuba. Another marina neighbor did his 1985 hull this past weekend. The boat sat for over 10 years and the gelcoat was lifeless. It now shines like a new boat. If your gelcoat is really bad, you need to go real easy at first. Try a spot somewhere easy and inconspicuous first. I suggest to take it a little at a time, good luck Mike D
Warren, I have used a very similiar system as Larry. I used a 7" speed controlled buffer with a 3M foam "Perfect-it" Pad. Depending on the condition of your gelcoat, this will remove fine scratches and watermarks. I followed that up with a coat of Mother's Carnuba Cleaner wax (liquid, if by machine) and then top it off with Mother's pure Carnuba. The waxing is effortless with a smooth shiny gelcoat. For the first time our hull looks like it was waxed before touching it this year. We rinsed it off and repeated the cleaner and carnuba steps only. You do need to get the gelcoat in good condition with the glazing polish. Preface it with machine type compound if necessary. I tried most waxes on the market and nothing holds up like the pure carnuba. Another marina neighbor did his 1985 hull this past weekend. The boat sat for over 10 years and the gelcoat was lifeless. It now shines like a new boat. If your gelcoat is really bad, you need to go real easy at first. Try a spot somewhere easy and inconspicuous first. I suggest to take it a little at a time, good luck Mike D
Streaking with Wax?
Whenever I have used a pure wax, dark streaks appear in a few weeks where ever rain water exits the topside. The streaks are unsightly and difficult to remove. The problem is much less severe using a polymer type product such as Starbrite, but it doesn't last as long. Is this just a problem in Georgia or does it happen everywhere? A tip for waxing the hull when at the dock, use a sponge mop with a long handle. It allows for a lot of pressure to be applied when rubbing and is easier than hanging over the side with a buffer. I then wash off the polish with lake water and the sponge mop, buffing when dry with a dry rag or the buffer. Works great with Starbrite. Not sure it would with carnuba.
Whenever I have used a pure wax, dark streaks appear in a few weeks where ever rain water exits the topside. The streaks are unsightly and difficult to remove. The problem is much less severe using a polymer type product such as Starbrite, but it doesn't last as long. Is this just a problem in Georgia or does it happen everywhere? A tip for waxing the hull when at the dock, use a sponge mop with a long handle. It allows for a lot of pressure to be applied when rubbing and is easier than hanging over the side with a buffer. I then wash off the polish with lake water and the sponge mop, buffing when dry with a dry rag or the buffer. Works great with Starbrite. Not sure it would with carnuba.
No "Wax"
I've had my O'Day 22 for 32 years...The topsides still look good. Wax doesn't last very long (I tried most of them). The one product than really works is: Star Brite...Permium Marine Polish with Teflon Two coats lasts me all year! It goes on easy and (most important) comes off easy. Most marine type stores carry it & I've also found it in Wal-Mart. Good Luck!
I've had my O'Day 22 for 32 years...The topsides still look good. Wax doesn't last very long (I tried most of them). The one product than really works is: Star Brite...Permium Marine Polish with Teflon Two coats lasts me all year! It goes on easy and (most important) comes off easy. Most marine type stores carry it & I've also found it in Wal-Mart. Good Luck!
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