New Boat -- Wax by hand?

[Marine HiGloss]

We bought a new boat last year that we use on a lake and keep indoors unless on the water. It came with a beautiful hi gloss finish, but I didn't do anything but wipe down after uses and wash every once in a while. It is comming out of winter storage, and I want to protect it and renew the finish. I was told by the builder to use your Flagship Premium Marine Wax. I have never waxed. I am buying some "soft wash", too. Should I put the wax on by hand? I also ordered some of the micro fiber towels. Any help or instructions would be appreciated?

[Murr1525]

You can wax by hand, obviously a big job.

You might want to look into a bit of a cleaner first as well, like the Color Restorer.

Or even consider the Flagship Cleaner/Wax.

Naturally a product that is just a wax will be more durable, etc than a multi-step product, but depends how much time, etc you want to spend. As mentioned, can be a big job by hand.

[Michael Stoops]

Well, our OP here just called me directly to talk about starting out right with regards to caring for his boat - in this case, Car Crazy translates directly to Boat Crazy! Marine HiGloss loves taking care of his boat as much as the rest of you guys do your cars, so he's found the perfect place to learn how to do it all right!

Given the condition of the boat right now (darn near perfect with just 80 hours of use since new) and the way it's stored, we're suggesting using Flagship Premium Marine Cleaner Wax 3x per year to keep any issues at bay. With the way gel coat is prone to oxidation, and the frequency of use plus storage method uses, this process should easily prevent the build up of embedded dirt, the onset of oxidation, etc and keep the finish looking great for years to come. When you think about a white, chalky gel coat you know that it didn't just happen over night - it started somewhere, and it started very small. So small that at first it isn't even noticeable. That's when it's a piece of cake to eliminate, and that's what preventative maintenance is all about.

We've also suggested that every time he takes the boat out and dries it off to use Ultimate Quik Wax in his drying process. That will keep the shine up, keep the water beading at maximum, and maintain a high level of UV protection. M57 Marine Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Protectant will be put to use on the interior vinyl - again, on a regular basis to keep it looking fresh and new for a very long time.

Of course he's also picking up all the necessary applicators, towels, boat wash, etc.

Start off right, and keep up the maintenance, and you'll always enjoy working on your car, boat, RV, SUV, motorcycle, jet ski, whatever - without having to break out the big guns to correct problems that developed over time.

[Murr1525]

Is that like cheating?

[Innovative Detailing]

Dont forget to have a good supply of Meguiar's #47 "Hard Water Spot Remover" handy for those hard water spots that get baked on the boat, especially the transom area. Year after year, 11 years this summer I have always used this as a maintenance product followed by either a thorough wash or a wipe down with #52 "Quick Clean Marine"...
I would much rather use #47 on my boat, its far better than "Ducky" or vineger in which you end up smelling like a pickle. As Mike Mentioned be sure to follow up with an application of Flagship premium marine wax at least 2x per year, and if necessasy a light pass of clay to keep her ultra smooth!......

Have a safe boating season this year!

[Michael Stoops]

Is that like cheating?

What, just picking up the phone and calling it in? Yes and no. My number is out there, but I would prefer people ask questions on the forum rather than calling me direct or sending me an email or PM. That way everyone can see the answer, the answer may raise more questions, and the original question will usually get answered faster. I don't always have time to respond to emails right away, and if I'm travelling then email is probably the slowest way to get an answer to a question!

Let's just say the OP was a bit impatient.

[wifpd4]

...
Let's just say the OP was a bit impatient.

Aren't we all!!!