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First-time fiberglass boat

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  • First-time fiberglass boat

    Hi All,
    I've been detailing cars for abut the last 20yrs with my Porter-Cable G100. I recently converted it to the Soft-Buff 2.0. Familiar with #1, #7, #9, #16 etc.

    My father-in-law just picked up a new boat (2008 Four Winn) with only 90hrs. The fiberglass is a light beige with some decals I think (checking tonight). I'm planning to DA the light oxidation and water spots off the hull. Looking for some input:

    1. Boat Wash? Is this necessary or can I just use my regular Meguiars car wash soap? I assume it is made for washing in the water.
    2. Cleaning, how much cutting does the M44 actually do? The oxidation/water line is light on this boat and I see some light swirl marks. I was going to use this with a W7207 Cutting pad. Will that be too harsh on any decals? My other option was to go up to the M49.
    3. Waxing, since it is a light color, I was going to skip the polish and just go with M56 pure wax and apply with an W9207 Finishing pad. I'm also planning to apply this to the interior gel coat as it isn't very oxidized.

    Anyone see any issues with my plan?

  • #2
    Re: First-time fiberglass boat

    Any wash works work.

    Would have to avoid decals, same as a car.

    Really can't say what is best without a test spot, but strong car products could also be tried, if wanting to use what you have.
    2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: First-time fiberglass boat

      Thanks for the reply. I washed down the inside tonight and will get the outside tomorrow.

      Is there a way to gauge the level of oxidation? My gel coat is still smooth, but has a dull finish in spots. I'm thinking I'll go with the oxidizer remover.

      What is typically done for the non-skid surfaces? Just clean it off?

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: First-time fiberglass boat

        Based on your assessment we are also thinking our #49 Marine/RV Oxidation Remover would be the better choice. We also are thinking this because of the age of the boat. Our new M771 Marine/RV Heavy Duty Oxidation Scrub works great for non skid surfaces. Below is a video with more info:

        Nick Winn
        Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Online Forum Administrator
        Meguiar's Inc.
        Irvine, CA
        nawinn@meguiars.com

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: First-time fiberglass boat

          Thanks, I'll have to try the M771. Wasn't familiar with that one.

          I have a little bit of black surface on the boat along the belt line. Would #7 work to bring out the depth?

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: First-time fiberglass boat

            I've typically waxed using the paste wax by hand, but planning to put the wax on the hull with my G100. What pad is best Yellow (W8207) or Black (W9207)?

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: First-time fiberglass boat

              Originally posted by chadzeilenga View Post
              Thanks, I'll have to try the M771. Wasn't familiar with that one.

              I have a little bit of black surface on the boat along the belt line. Would #7 work to bring out the depth?
              After using the #49 Oxidation Remover, the use of a polish like #7 Show Car Glaze or our #45 Hi Gloss Polish should make a noticeable difference to the gloss, as an optional set before applying wax.

              Originally posted by chadzeilenga View Post
              I've typically waxed using the paste wax by hand, but planning to put the wax on the hull with my G100. What pad is best Yellow (W8207) or Black (W9207)?
              W9207 Black Finishing Pad would be best for applying the #56 Pure Wax. If you were using a cleaner wax, it would be best to use one of our yellow polishing pads.
              Nick Winn
              Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Online Forum Administrator
              Meguiar's Inc.
              Irvine, CA
              nawinn@meguiars.com

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: First-time fiberglass boat

                Does same apply for #63 wax?

                Also, I'm having a hard time finding replacement Soft Buff 2.0 pads. These seem to be hidden on the Meguiars website.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: First-time fiberglass boat

                  Yes same would apply for the #63 Flagship Premium Marine Wax. One of our Black Finishing Pads would be best. Any wax in the Marine/RV Line could be used with a yellow polishing pad with no issue.

                  Last year we introduced our new DA Thin Foam Discs which have replaced 7 Inch Soft Buff 2.0 Pads. More information on these discs can be referenced at the following below link:

                  NEW! DA Foam Discs & Backing Plates
                  Nick Winn
                  Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Online Forum Administrator
                  Meguiar's Inc.
                  Irvine, CA
                  nawinn@meguiars.com

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: First-time fiberglass boat

                    Are you kidding? I just upgraded all my pads & backing plate to the SoftBuff 2.0 and now a new one is out. I was able to find a black (WRFF7) & red (WRFC7) pad on Amazon to use with the boat product.

                    Looks like the discs are a better design. I'll have to upgrade at some point.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: First-time fiberglass boat

                      Ok, I'm done crying now...ha ha! I really only need a W7207 to finish this boat project. I see that the W8207 and W9207 are available, but no cutting pad? Mine is starting to tear at the foam where the backing plate goes

                      Also, when will the new discs be available I see that all of them are on back-order.

                      Comment

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