Announcement

**Michael Stoops** · May 17, 2010, 01:24 PM

Re: Product recommendation for a speed boat

Nice collection of Marine/RV goodies you've got there!

It looks like you've got some serious oxidation to deal with - amazing how the gel coat that was covered still looks great while the rest has really paid the price of exposure, huh?! Whether you're working with a D/A or a rotary we would suggest you go with the M67 One Step Compound here, starting with a yellow W8207 polishing pad. If you're using a D/A run it at speed 5 for this step, or run a rotary at around 1500 rpm or so. Work just small areas at a time, no more than about 2' x 2', and never buff to the point that the product goes completely dry.

**McCune** · May 17, 2010, 07:35 PM

Re: Product recommendation for a speed boat

The boat cover is to blame for the sharp contrast between the gel coat and the heavy oxidation, i think you can actually see one of the buttons that we use to secure the cover. When using a machine/buffing pad assembly, how much pressure should one use when working the compound into the surface? Would the amount of pressure applied be different if i were to use a W8204 instead of a W8207 to achieve the same results? After using the M67 compound do you suggest putting an additional wax/compound to help protect against future sun exposure? We have the boat sitting on the dock exposed to sun for 4-5 months, so it gets a LOT of sun...

Thanks for the help Michael!

**Michael Stoops** · May 18, 2010, 09:07 AM

Re: Product recommendation for a speed boat

Are you using a D/A or a rotary? It will make quite a bit of difference when it comes to pressure and speed.

With a D/A you'll want to use a foam polishing pad, and maybe even a foam cutting pad, on speed 5 with moderate to heavy pressure. Using a smaller pad will concentrate the energy into a smaller area so you'll get even more cut for a given speed/pressure.

With a rotary you'd use the same pads but only light to moderate pressure and speed around 1500rpm, maybe more depending on how the gel coat is responding. Move the tool slowly over the surface, though, to minimize swirls and other tool created defects. You might want to follow this with a D/A depending on your skill with a rotary.

In either case, you definitely want to use a wax after working with M67 as it offers zero protection - it is a cleaner only. In fact, you could apply a coat of M45 Polish after M67 to really enhance the gloss (probably not a bad idea on such a dark color, but still just an option) and then finish off with Flagship Premium Marine Wax. The wax is the ONLY product in this whole mix that you will allow to dry before wiping off.

**McCune** · May 23, 2010, 06:41 PM

Re: Product recommendation for a speed boat

Greetings World,

Having very little experience with detailing compounds/using rotary buffing machine, I have come up with the following results using the M67 compound and a W7207 pad. The following surfaces were later protected using FLAG 16...

Initial application 1:

Initial application 2:

Wide view (Bow-Port):

Wide view (Bow-Starboard):

Wide view (Port side):

Close up (Starboard):

Comments/thoughts/suggestions anyone??

Additional notes:

Highly recommend M67 (OneStep Compound) - If you have looked into previous pictures/oxidation that I have recently repaired, you can see that the compound worked wonders.

Highly recommend M70 (Black Streak Remover) - worked extremely well with removing black streaks we have let go in the past.

Would not necessarily recommend M71 (Canvas Cleaner) - Did not really notice a difference between using this cleaner vs. scrub brush and hose. (remember - I'm new to this, so i might not be noticing the technical details that some detailers might be going after)

Undecided on CLEAN 16 (Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner) - reminds me of a Armor All product?? Boat seats/rubber strip running outside perimeter of boat did look pretty nice though...

Highly recommend FLAG 16 (Flagship Premium Marine Wax) - Easy to apply (did use an applicator pad, worked better than microfiber towel)/remove, left great finish... good bye turtle wax!

Would recommend getting a few foam applicator pads as well as several microfiber towels (always thought these were a waste, why not just use a towel, right?? Now i know...)

Recommend using W7207 foam buffing pad - worked extremely well with the M67 compound. I learned very quickly how easy it is to destroy a foam buffing pad... In some of my pictures you can see random buttons that are used to attach the boat cover, I hit these little rascals a few times and severely damaged the outside perimeter of the pad, be careful of any surrounding fixed objects!!!

I think thats it.. I might be forgetting a few other products that I used, but i'll fill you all in another day.

Hope this helps someone...

**Michael Stoops** · Jun 2, 2010, 09:02 AM

Re: Product recommendation for a speed boat

Looks great, Ryan, and those are some useful tips for others to consider and follow when taking on a similar project. Thanks for the feedback!