Opinions on waxing/compounding before winter storage

[Pilot]

Our boats on the Chesapeake, so we get some cold days in winter and a few snow days. So, is it worthwhile and the expense to wax and compound once its pulled? I was wondering if this would last and look good in spring? Or would I still need to do it again in spring before launch? Thanks all!

 

[Islandtime04]

I boat on the Bay too. Never thought of detailing her before the layup. Seems counter productive to me. I always give her a good wash before pulling for the winter, but wait for spring to wash and wax her. The ritual.

 

[JVM225]

I clean my hull really well and then put a coat of wax on it before it gets shrink wrapped.
It gets polished in the Spring and 3 coats of wax before launch.
IMHO: putting it away clean and putting a coat of wax before winter storage keeps it nicer and makes the job in the Spring a little easier.

 

[Blueone]

My usual routine is to wash before storage and cover in plastic to keep dust and bird crap off it ...then compound and wax in March .... I think the only reason is I am more motivated..... in the fall I pry my damn wallet from the boat ... take it home and give it a rest for a couple months

 

[Pirate Lady]

Knew a guy waxed when pulled and left the wax on “to protect it”. By spring it was hard as concrete and he never did that again. Just don’t be that guy. I wax in spring, by now it’s cold and not motivated like a sunny April day.