New Thoughts/Observations on Polishing

highslice said:
Okay, stupid question, but I'll ask anyway since this may be the first year I actually have time to detail the boat myself. Do you wash the boat with soap and water before applying the cleaner/polish?
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Always, yes.
 
I always have tons of water spots on the Titanium gel coat. I have been told that Simple Green is best at removing the mineral depostis. Any other suggestions?

Thanks John.
 
There are products made specifically for hard water spots. Meguiar's makes one... many others do. Would they work better? I don't know. Just remember that anything like that is also going to remove the wax. Try something less harsh, first. Diluted Windex or maybe Serious Shine by Yacht Brite.

Do these spots come from washing the boat? If so, just make sure to dry it off before the water droplets dry. Something like a California Blade (large silicone "windshield wiper") works great.

John - Do you do your chemistry work at "Angels 10" or do you save that for the ground? :smt001 Seriously, sounds like you have two very time-consuming jobs!
 
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highslice said:
Okay, stupid question, but I'll ask anyway since this may be the first year I actually have time to detail the boat myself. Do you wash the boat with soap and water before applying the cleaner/polish?
Click to expand...

Yes! You always wash the surface before going near it with anything else. You need the wash to remove dirt and debris that you would otherwise drag across the finish, thereby scratching it, when you polish or wax.
It's a good idea to wash frequently between wax sessions to clear the finish of dirt and contaminants. My boat is 22 years old and the finish wasn't the greatest when I got it, but I wash it everytime I return to the dock and if I see I haven't used it for a couple of weeks I was it anyway. It helps prevent, or at least slow down, additional deterioration.
 
The Bill Collector said:
Chris, there are several yards around the area that will allow you to wax/work on your boat while in their yard.I am waiting till spring to pull mine and will have it hauled at Hylebos Marina and I do the bottom paint & waxing myself. No sense in doing now for it to sit mostly idle all winter and get a slime coat that will produce drag come spring....?
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I've thought about Hylebos, but if I can talk Gig Harbor Marina to let me have an extra lay day (after they do the bottom paint), it will be much more convenient. They are 5 minutes from the house versus Hylebos which is probably 25 with traffic. Also, they have a small area of their yard which is covered which may work even better if raining.

Also, my marina is covered, which is good at keeping the coat "cleaner" than out in the open. Now, if I only I had a boat house like you Mark I'd be set!
 
Lazy Daze said:
John - Do you do your chemistry work at "Angels 10" or do you save that for the ground? :smt001 Seriously, sounds like you have two very time-consuming jobs!
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Bach degree in Chemistry. 2 years Med School - Haven't touched it since, except I use it in every day life. How does everyone else get along?
 
Dave S said:
I have used Zaino polymer polish on my cars for years and it is far superior to any other product on the market both in terms of shine and how long it lasts.
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Ditto on the Zaino. Use it always on my SL55. Best product I have found for car polish.
 
I pretty much do the same thing Dave does...machine polish & wax by hand. Try not to make more out of the project than it is. Let the machine & polish do the work.

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