ebony gelcoat - harder to maintain?

[Joe]

So I am going from my last boat with a white gelcoat where it's hard to see water spots and oxidation, to a black boat. Are they harder to keep looking good? Any advice, tips, tricks from other black boat owners or those with experience?

[Driller]

My boat is Cobalt Blue. Here on Lake Travis the water is hard from all the limestone. I use Boat Bling "Hot Sauce" after most runs. Spray on wipe off, cuts the hard water spots right off and it includes a wax. Works great for me. The darker boat is a little harder to maintain the shine, but they make some good products now which cut the work down to a minimum. Adams is preferred by some members. I just got a sample (thanks YT) and will be trying it out next.

Check out this thread Joe. Lots of pics and discussion:

viewtopic.php?f=44&t=481&start=30&hilit=Cobalt+shine

[Big Block Power]

I personally think colored hulls in general are easier to keep clean then white. Once you go black you will never want any other color. Maybe blue.lol
Yes use what driller said.

[Joe]

I appreciate the replies. My cover will also go all the way down the sides, so in theory that should help a lot too. Guess I’m off to buy some hot sauce!

[tgrace98]

My boat is red so I can't comment on black. But this year I am going to try ceramic coating on my boat. From all the reviews I've read a lot of people swear by it. I guess I can be the Cobalt Chat test boat

[sailor55330]

My dealer gave me some of this when I boat the boat (Ebony Hull--R3, so lots of freeboard). MN too has some of the hardest water I have ever come across. If you let the irrigation sprinkler's dry on your window, you will actually be able to catch a fingernail on the calcium from the water spot.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/produ ... ilertrade/

I keep it in the boat and after it's on the trailer, it takes me 5 mins to wipe down before heading home. Truly does a great job.

[Driller]

HAven't seen that product before. Let us know how it works sailor.

[sailor55330]

I'm not trying to be a Meguiar's Homer in the box, but the flagship stuff really works great. Literally spray it on and then wipe with a clean microfiber towl. Waterspots go away with one wipe of the cloth and no real pressure. Makes the hull shine like crazy. So far, I've done my boat probably 6-8 times on one bottle and probably another 2-3 in it. I'll be looking for more when I run out.

[Big Block Power]

I'm not trying to be a Meguiar's Homer in the box, but the flagship stuff really works great. Literally spray it on and then wipe with a clean microfiber towl. Waterspots go away with one wipe of the cloth and no real pressure. Makes the hull shine like crazy. So far, I've done my boat probably 6-8 times on one bottle and probably another 2-3 in it. I'll be looking for more when I run out.

I have the same stuff and it's been shelved for a few years. Didn't like it. All products work differently fit different people.Once you find something you like stick with it. With hot sauce I hate the smell and I use gloves when I put it on. Your hands will smell. But I bought another gallon of it because I like how it works.

[Ytmsn]

That's why I like Adams H20 so much. It doesn't stink, and you're supposed to use it when you pull the boat out or when it comes up on the lift. It was designed to use on autos after a wash. You spray it on while it's still wet(and it just take a dab) and wipe it off. It chemically reacts to the water to form a seal and polish and woks like a dandy, especially on the scum line.

Driller what you have is their detail mist to touch up with. Works good for hand and finger prints and that little quick wipe we're all bad about doing constantly. I hope you like it!