Good evening, For us up north, it's time to prepare the boat for the season. My white fiberglass hull needs to get back in shape. I might need a compound and a wax, or some other solution. I believe there was a conversation about it a while ago, but can't find it in the archives. Is it absolutely necessary to compound a hull or is there a way to clean the hull, wax it and have a good result, even if it needs some more touch up during the summer ? What are the best products to do so ? What about the "miracle" sprays ? Is there one which really works and stays on for more than a few days ? Thanks a lot, Bryan

On 5/3/2011 10:29 PM, Bryan V. wrote: > Good evening, > > For us up north, it's time to prepare the boat for the season. My white > fiberglass hull needs to get back in shape. I might need a compound and a > wax, or some other solution. I believe there was a conversation about it a > while ago, but can't find it in the archives. > > Is it absolutely necessary to compound a hull or is there a way to clean the > hull, wax it and have a good result, even if it needs some more touch up > during the summer ? What are the best products to do so ? What about the > "miracle" sprays ? Is there one which really works and stays on for more > than a few days ? YMMV, but usually the length of time the buff & polish lasts is in direct proportion with the ease and time involved in application. There are no miracle products, although some are better than others, and lots of money changes hands based on a manufacturers ability to convince you otherwise. A good result is subjective to start with, I've seen boats after they've been "buffed and waxed" that glisten like a chalk board, and the owners paid LOTS of money for the work, so it's entirely dependent on what you're satisfied with, and how much elbow grease or money to others you're willing to expend to that end. No, it's not absolutely necessary to compound, wax, wash, or paint a hull. I've seen lots of boats in south Florida that have not seen wax in 30 years and are still cruising. So it's all in what you like. I'm on the OCD end of the scale, I find that I need to polish and wax the hull twice a year to keep it in satisfactory condition for my eye, that is generally about an 18" shine- That's how far you can read a tape measure's reflection in the gelcoat when you're done. See, OCD. The house part I only do once a year. (Slacker!) I use 3M's Finesse-it II (about $140/gal) with a slow (1500 rpm) buffer and 3Msup-r-buf pad, follow with a good wax. Had been using Collinite 925, but have switched to 3M's Scotchguard and am happier with that, the Collinite is harder to work, and discolors gray after about 3-4 months. I picked up some Flitz "Waax" at the Miami show, and have been using a capful or so in the wash water, as suggested. It is water based, and really helps to keep the surface beading and seems to be helping to prolong the effects of the wax job that was last done in Sept. Seems to be a good product. (Caveat: see the second sentence above!) I've tried the cleaner/wax with a power buffer & unless the surface is really primo to start with, the pad will load in short order and you'll end up with a wheel that hops and grabs, and won't really be effective at cleaning OR waxing, at least that's been my experience. I use it with a rag to remove scuff marks left by fenders, hoses, etc. Ask 10 dockbirds about their wax technique and products, you'll get a dozen different answers, each insisting theirs is the ONLY way! -- Steve Sipe Solo 4303 /"Maerin"/ MOW Cay, Bahamas

Collinite Fleetwax Paste is all I've ever used, after seeing it consistently getting the highest rating from Powerboat Reports (when it existed). I use it on my vehicles as well. Keith ___________________ Is it absolutely necessary to compound a hull or is there a way to clean the hull, wax it and have a good result, even if it needs some more touch up during the summer ? What are the best products to do so ? What about the "miracle" sprays ? Is there one which really works and stays on for more than a few days ? Thanks a lot, Bryan _______________________________________________

> Is it absolutely necessary to compound a hull or is there a way to clean the > hull, wax it and have a good result, even if it needs some more touch up > during the summer ? What are the best products to do so ? What about the > "miracle" sprays ? Is there one which really works and stays on for more > than a few days ? Brian, if your hull is in generally good shape, I found that Maguire's One Step does as good a job as anything else i've tried including compound and waxing. It's easy to apply and wipe off or buff. I've converted a few at our marina that wanted a simpler way to get a nice shine. One application on the hull and top sides in the spring and possibly an other on the topside later in the season depending on usage and sunshine. Less work equals more boating time! Roly Pare Hyatt 40 Rol & C's

Just a reminder: compound and waxing is for gelcoat hulls. Two-part polyurethane painted hulls are not to be compounded or waxed. As the Awlgrip web site says: Do not wax. **Wax build up ages and yellows very rapidly, creating the need to maintain the wax and causing the topcoat to appear yellow. Wax build up also collects dirt, increasing maintenance.**Waxing with a wax which contains no abrasives or cleaners will probably not hurt the surface, but at the same time offers no benefit. Regular waxing will not increase the life of an Awlgrip Finish. Wax can temporarily restore the gloss to small scuffs, scrapes, scratches. Sometimes allowing the postponement of repairs or repairing until a convenient time. Read more at: http://www.awlgrip.com/support/topcoatmaint/Pages/TopcoatMaintenance.aspx So lazy owners rejoice! Thanks, Bob ______________________ Robert Calhoun Smith Jr *Yacht MARY KATHRYN* 1977 Hatteras 58 LRC Lying South River Annapolis, Maryland