Oxidation Removal and Wax

[PeteD7]

Just getting my '01 226 out of storage and want to do a thorough cleaning of the hull. I bought it last year and has some oxidation. I'm looking for suggestions on a buffing kit for my drill and what oxidation remover/ wax to use. Leaning towards Meguiar's kit but looking for recommendations. Thanks!

[jma2@fuse.net]

Get yourself a dual action polisher. There are many choices, but I purchased Griot's Garage. Invest in good polishing pads. I use Country Lake. Most internet stores have a polishing kit, with polisher, pads, and compounds/waxes to get you started. Shurhold is a company that specializes in boat detailing kits and products, and they have a lot of good videos.

Without knowing the amount of oxidation you have, start with a cleaner wax (3M is what I've used). Or you could start with a polishing compound and work your way up to a finishing wax. There are tons of youtube videos and DIY information on the net on how to detail your boat. Based on my research, I would not recommend a rotary polisher, and I doubt you will have much success with an adapter for a drill. Also, you could make the gelcoat worse if you don't know what you're doing. With a dual action polisher, you really can't hurt the gelcoat, but you can get great results. Finally, there are so many different products and reviews on which is the "best" that it's mind boggling. Personally, I'm not a fan of Meguiar's products, but I'm sure many here will swear by them.

[winniboater]

I had a 2005 that had oxidized and needed buffing. I used a makita rotary buffer with 3M medium, fine and then marine wax. I tried the fine first to see if that was enough and it wasn’t. Medium compound with a green foam pad made it go reasonably quickly. Then fine with blue.

You can see if you are cutting through the oxide at each step. Don’t try and skip steps, take your time and go through each one. You’ll be happy with the results. It took me about 8 hours to compound and wax a 20 ft boat my first time.

[Mike in SC]

I've watched a number of "Drakes Detailing" Youtube videos, he has lots of instructional tips, good whether you're planning on doing your own boat or trying to start a detailing business.

[Pilotmike]

DA Bauer polisher, Aqua Buff 2000 (wool bonnet), Smooth 1000 (wool bonnet), Meguiars Flagship (foam pad), and finally Smooth Bubble Gum (foam pad).

Crazy hard work with the cutting compounds. Polish and waxes were easy. 4 days of pain and suffering. I will never let the finish get this bad. Waxing is easy twice a year to keep from compounding a blue Cobalt.

[Big Block Power]

Yep some preventive maint goes along way.
I just keep mine in the Garage it's much easier then.

[Luv2HuntAR]

I am pleased as punch with Meguiar’s. I use the M97-Paint Polish & Protectant + M63-Flagship Marine Wax. DA polisher will make quick work of applying both. Be careful with the DA, it will generate a lot of heat if the pad gets the least little bit dry; if you see white flakes, that’s your gel coat coming off. Started using the M94-Flagship Detailer this year; I like the results a tad better than Babe’s Boat Bright. But, Babe’s Boat Bright is quicker … one pass and you’re done; it’s great stuff too.

[AsLan7]

I am pleased as punch with Meguiar’s. I use the M97-Paint Polish & Protectant + M63-Flagship Marine Wax. DA polisher will make quick work of applying both. Be careful with the DA, it will generate a lot of heat if the pad gets the least little bit dry; if you see white flakes, that’s your gel coat coming off. Started using the M94-Flagship Detailer this year; I like the results a tad better than Babe’s Boat Bright. But, Babe’s Boat Bright is quicker … one pass and you’re done; it’s great stuff too.

.
Nice job L2HAR. We switched from a high end DA to an orbital to generate the amount of speed necessary for cutting thru the oxidation. The time dropped in half.