Waxing Topsides?
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Princess
Before someone jumps down your throat about "proper boating terms", the topsides are the area between the waterline and the deck/hull joint. I have heard people using Woodies for nonskid. I don't wax mine. I do use Collonite for my "topsides" though ;-) Tim R.
Before someone jumps down your throat about "proper boating terms", the topsides are the area between the waterline and the deck/hull joint. I have heard people using Woodies for nonskid. I don't wax mine. I do use Collonite for my "topsides" though ;-) Tim R.
I think everyone would agree
waxing the nonskid is a bad idea. Although there are waxes marketed for nonskid, it seems counter-intuitive. Any scrub brush or a (low) pressure washer are effective at keeping nonskid clean without the possibility of defeating it's purpose. Some nonskids are painted so whicever wax you choose, be aware some are specifically intended for paint rather than gelcoat. the choice of which wax is "best" is largely a matter of personal proference but the conventional wisdom seems to be that Collinite is among the best.
waxing the nonskid is a bad idea. Although there are waxes marketed for nonskid, it seems counter-intuitive. Any scrub brush or a (low) pressure washer are effective at keeping nonskid clean without the possibility of defeating it's purpose. Some nonskids are painted so whicever wax you choose, be aware some are specifically intended for paint rather than gelcoat. the choice of which wax is "best" is largely a matter of personal proference but the conventional wisdom seems to be that Collinite is among the best.
We wax (when we can)
We wax the decks, no traction issues with wet decks and bare feet or with deck shoes with siped soles in good condition (we keep a pair on board that NEVER go ashore, nor do my boots). Rub your finger on a fresh wax job, wet or dry and it will not slide easily, try it. That said, NEVER wear just socks on a waxed deck or expect your butt to hold you in place on one (unless, of course, you sail au naturale). Try a small section in place you don't normally walk much. Test it wet, dry, shod, unshod, socks, bare, etc. If you don't like it, wash the area with dish detergent and hot water, that stuff will remove wax faster than you can believe. If you are satisfied with the results, you can keep your deks looking like new as long as you keep enough of a coat on them to prevent oxidation. Another benefit is that it makes them far more stain resistant and easier to clean. Your better car and boat cleaners are pricey, but have an advantage in that they do not remove wax.
We wax the decks, no traction issues with wet decks and bare feet or with deck shoes with siped soles in good condition (we keep a pair on board that NEVER go ashore, nor do my boots). Rub your finger on a fresh wax job, wet or dry and it will not slide easily, try it. That said, NEVER wear just socks on a waxed deck or expect your butt to hold you in place on one (unless, of course, you sail au naturale). Try a small section in place you don't normally walk much. Test it wet, dry, shod, unshod, socks, bare, etc. If you don't like it, wash the area with dish detergent and hot water, that stuff will remove wax faster than you can believe. If you are satisfied with the results, you can keep your deks looking like new as long as you keep enough of a coat on them to prevent oxidation. Another benefit is that it makes them far more stain resistant and easier to clean. Your better car and boat cleaners are pricey, but have an advantage in that they do not remove wax.
Princess
Princess- IMHO it is a bad idea to wax the deck. All it takes is one time for somebody to slip and your already short season would be over. There is a reason that none of the big maintenance manufacturers don't make a wax for the deck. I'm sure the reason has to involve a lawyer. Water, wax and shoes are not condusive to each other. I as others have boat shoes that are only worn while on the boat and dock. This reduces the transfer of crap that gets smudged into the deck. When you invite friends aboard you just have to bite your tongue and hope and pray that they have clean soles. Sick of winter yet? I think were getting closer. Any articles coming in Northern Breezes? Regards- Rob Hessenius
Princess- IMHO it is a bad idea to wax the deck. All it takes is one time for somebody to slip and your already short season would be over. There is a reason that none of the big maintenance manufacturers don't make a wax for the deck. I'm sure the reason has to involve a lawyer. Water, wax and shoes are not condusive to each other. I as others have boat shoes that are only worn while on the boat and dock. This reduces the transfer of crap that gets smudged into the deck. When you invite friends aboard you just have to bite your tongue and hope and pray that they have clean soles. Sick of winter yet? I think were getting closer. Any articles coming in Northern Breezes? Regards- Rob Hessenius
Collinite...
on anything above the waterline... leave the non-skid alone if it is painted. Pressure-wash in ther fall. That Woodys stuff interests me... is that made for surfboards? I would not want to track that over the rest of the non-skid. Must be gummy... does it make a mess... attract dirt? Curious, Rich
on anything above the waterline... leave the non-skid alone if it is painted. Pressure-wash in ther fall. That Woodys stuff interests me... is that made for surfboards? I would not want to track that over the rest of the non-skid. Must be gummy... does it make a mess... attract dirt? Curious, Rich
With the sun down here if we did not wax
the gelcoat areas of the cockpit, cabin top and deck it would turn to chalk. We don't wax non-skid areas for obvious reasons. Boat shoes with fairly new soles in them will not slip on wax gelcoat even when wet. But if you like flip-flops stay away from wax. Doing the topsides is a pain especially from a dingui.
the gelcoat areas of the cockpit, cabin top and deck it would turn to chalk. We don't wax non-skid areas for obvious reasons. Boat shoes with fairly new soles in them will not slip on wax gelcoat even when wet. But if you like flip-flops stay away from wax. Doing the topsides is a pain especially from a dingui.
Woodywax
I tried Woodywax last year and was pleasantly surprised how well it worked. I used soft scrub to prep for the woodywax and then applied it per their recommendations. My one mistake was using a strong detergent that removed the wax. I am planning on doing the same thing this year, but I am going to use an automobile washing soap that does not wash off the wax and reapply the woodywax more frequently. With a waxed deck, all the spider poop and bird droppings are easily rinsed away.
I tried Woodywax last year and was pleasantly surprised how well it worked. I used soft scrub to prep for the woodywax and then applied it per their recommendations. My one mistake was using a strong detergent that removed the wax. I am planning on doing the same thing this year, but I am going to use an automobile washing soap that does not wash off the wax and reapply the woodywax more frequently. With a waxed deck, all the spider poop and bird droppings are easily rinsed away.
Ordered Woody Wax today not cheap but then what
marine product is? Word of caution about WM color restorer. Used it today and it worked well. I accidentally drop a couple of drips on the white gel coat. I didn't notice until about 10 min later. When I tried to wipe off I found that the pick coloring left a stain on the gel coat. Tried to rub it out with a polish but it looks like it penetrated pretty deep. Hopefully a little bleach solution will remove it. Its a good product but you must be careful not to drip. Frank
marine product is? Word of caution about WM color restorer. Used it today and it worked well. I accidentally drop a couple of drips on the white gel coat. I didn't notice until about 10 min later. When I tried to wipe off I found that the pick coloring left a stain on the gel coat. Tried to rub it out with a polish but it looks like it penetrated pretty deep. Hopefully a little bleach solution will remove it. Its a good product but you must be careful not to drip. Frank
I know, I know
It's the deck, not topsides. I KNOW the difference. I had a blond moment. My point is the DECK has some chalkiness to it and I was wondering what was the best way to get rid of it. Hey Rob, good to hear from you buddy! I am so sick of winter which is why Jim and I are heading to Key Largo next Wednesday and I can't wait. My bikinis are packed so now I just have to figure out if I can take 4 pairs or 5 pairs of shoes with me. Nothing new for NB since my 2 parter in Nov and Jan. Maybe something this summer. Are you going to sail over to the Apostles this summer to see us? How are you doing? Anything new? You have my email so get in touch any time.
It's the deck, not topsides. I KNOW the difference. I had a blond moment. My point is the DECK has some chalkiness to it and I was wondering what was the best way to get rid of it. Hey Rob, good to hear from you buddy! I am so sick of winter which is why Jim and I are heading to Key Largo next Wednesday and I can't wait. My bikinis are packed so now I just have to figure out if I can take 4 pairs or 5 pairs of shoes with me. Nothing new for NB since my 2 parter in Nov and Jan. Maybe something this summer. Are you going to sail over to the Apostles this summer to see us? How are you doing? Anything new? You have my email so get in touch any time.
Bikinis??????
You may want to pack some warm clothes just in case,the last few days not too many people wearing shorts here in Florida. But have no fear the weekend looks like it will be in the 80's. I left NY snow storm last week and its been pretty cold so I think that the cold hitched a ride in my pickup truck on the way down. The wife likes to snug up real close at night,my Italian blood helps for the cool nights. Nick
You may want to pack some warm clothes just in case,the last few days not too many people wearing shorts here in Florida. But have no fear the weekend looks like it will be in the 80's. I left NY snow storm last week and its been pretty cold so I think that the cold hitched a ride in my pickup truck on the way down. The wife likes to snug up real close at night,my Italian blood helps for the cool nights. Nick
Don't do it
The topsides can be polished and waxed but the decks should only be cleaned. If you sail a lot in the sun the only thing you get from a shiny deck is glare.
The topsides can be polished and waxed but the decks should only be cleaned. If you sail a lot in the sun the only thing you get from a shiny deck is glare.
Seadaddler
Take that cold right back with you!! I seriously need some sun, humidity and warmth. Are you in Florida right now? Where are you? Are you sailing?
Take that cold right back with you!! I seriously need some sun, humidity and warmth. Are you in Florida right now? Where are you? Are you sailing?
I am a Fanatic
Do I wax topsides...? of course, why not, I like to keep the whole boat clean & shiny. I scrub the whole boat down and give it a good wash before waxing. Aurora Marine puts out a product called SureStep for polishing the non-skid areas. It does not make it slippery just makes it look good and easy to clean. I do the non- skid area and all other areas above the rub rails so that the whole top gleams with a shine, I also do the whole hull and bottom (trailerable). It gives me a great sense of pride to be out there with my boat all shiny and clean, almost new looking and because I take great care of it and polish all fiberglass surfaces both inside and outside every spring,(major big Job)it always looks new and will always have good resale appeal. Someone mentioned all you get from a shiny deck is glare, well they are correct that is why I wear polarized sunglasses with all the UV ABC's, it does tend to get a bit blinding especially in a clean shiny white cockpit. The upside to having the surfaces all cleaned and waxed at the start of the season is that it only takes a quick spray down with the hose to keep it that clean, dirt just rinses off because it won't adhere to the shiny surface, even the non-skid rinses off easily. It is a lot of work but worth it.
Do I wax topsides...? of course, why not, I like to keep the whole boat clean & shiny. I scrub the whole boat down and give it a good wash before waxing. Aurora Marine puts out a product called SureStep for polishing the non-skid areas. It does not make it slippery just makes it look good and easy to clean. I do the non- skid area and all other areas above the rub rails so that the whole top gleams with a shine, I also do the whole hull and bottom (trailerable). It gives me a great sense of pride to be out there with my boat all shiny and clean, almost new looking and because I take great care of it and polish all fiberglass surfaces both inside and outside every spring,(major big Job)it always looks new and will always have good resale appeal. Someone mentioned all you get from a shiny deck is glare, well they are correct that is why I wear polarized sunglasses with all the UV ABC's, it does tend to get a bit blinding especially in a clean shiny white cockpit. The upside to having the surfaces all cleaned and waxed at the start of the season is that it only takes a quick spray down with the hose to keep it that clean, dirt just rinses off because it won't adhere to the shiny surface, even the non-skid rinses off easily. It is a lot of work but worth it.
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