Newbie needs some advice on waxing boat - with pics

[Deeman]

I just picked up a 98' Sea Ray 270 Sundancer. I live in Michigan so it's a freshwater boat in mild sun for 3-4 months a year and sits in the water the entire boating season. I am just getting into the waxing arena and have used Ultimate Liquid wax on my car last year with great results.

The boat is in nice shape with no heavy oxidation. I want to tackle the sides of the boat that are accessible for waxing which will be the sides of the cabin and some horizontal (not walking / slip areas) surfaces in the cockpit and cabin which are gel coat fiberglass. The sides have a bit of slightly visible black streaks which I have a spray for and plan to remove. It was supposedly waxed early this year but lack the brilliant shine I like.

Here are some pics before it was dropped in the water.





I just bought a used (used once) 10" random orbital polisher. I wanted a 6" but could not find one on CL.

I purchased the Marine Starter Kit which has the Flagship premium wax along with boat wash and Flagship QD.

My intent was to wash the boat and apply the premium flagship wax and call it done.

Am I on the right track? I read a lot on this site and others do seem to perform another step prior to the wax but using a compound to eliminate oxidation and some scratches. Is this really necessary? My main goal is to do what I can safely access this year since the boat is in a well until October. In the spring I plan to really do it right and do the entire hull.

Any thoughts? Should I use pre-application of a compound?

Thanks!!!

[Murr1525]

Re: Newbie needs some advice on waxing boat - with pics

Yeah, doing something like the #50 Cleaner/Wax then Wax, or the #44 Color Restorer / #49 Oxidation Remover then Wax would certainly improve results.

But only have to do as much as you feel like. Can do a test spot with just Wax and see if you like the look.

[Deeman]

Re: Newbie needs some advice on waxing boat - with pics

Okay – thanks for the response.

I just picked up a turtle wax 6” orbital polisher/waxer. Can I use this device to apply the #50 or #44?

[Murr1525]

Re: Newbie needs some advice on waxing boat - with pics

You can, and can try with the wax also.

Those type dont always have a lot of oomph to them, so not sure it will add much..

[BillE]

Re: Newbie needs some advice on waxing boat - with pics

Just to add what Murr said...M-44 (Color Restorer) is a very light cut product. I use it as a 'maintenance' polish before wax.

M-49 (Oxidation Remover) has a bit more 'cut' than 44, but can finish down nicely also.

Like mentioned, that orbital may not have the 'stones' to do a lot. But DO give it a try and be patient...it'll take some time.

Bill

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Newbie needs some advice on waxing boat - with pics

While you certainly can use the tools you mentioned, as Murr points out they don't have a lot of power so don't expect huge improvement in the quality of the finish - although it actually looks pretty decent as it is. Gel coat is much, much harder than automotive paint, so if these tools struggle to correct even light defects on cars, they'll be even more challenged on gel coat. But they can definitely make spreading your wax over such a large area go much faster, and probably even more uniform.

M44 would be a good choice as an initial clean up product here, given that the boat does look like it has been well cared for over the years. But again, the tools you have probably won't be able to get the most out of it so do yourself a huge favor and just do a test spot first. If you see a definite improvement then by all means, continue on. You may actually manage to pull out some embedded dirt from the pores of the gel coat and brighten up the color a fair bit, even if you don't manage to remove any light swirls or fine scratches. That alone may make it worth the effort. Of course, how much embedded dirt there might be will depend on just how well the previous owner took care of this boat.