Waxing

[fragmag]

Ok I have another question (get used to all these questions, cuz I'm gonna have a ton :grin: ). Does anyone have a recommended wax for the boat? I think the owners manual said to use 3M, but just wondering if anyone had a particular type or brand they liked. Also, is there anything in particular to watch for when waxing?

 

[jhild]

I'm sure you will get a variety of responses to this one. It all comes down to personal preference. I happen to like the Meguiars line of products.

Also, is there anything in particular to watch for when waxing?

- If you're using an electric buffer, just be careful not to scuff the gelcoat by using much force. Other than that, just look for that beautiful shine!

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

Search waxing. You can find a detailed list of how too when searching for "280 SeaRay". Our resident guru on waxing and polishing. :thumbsup:

 

[First Born]

http://www.byowneryachts.com/forums/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2088&highlight=waxing

Have fun with it :thumbsup:

Wesley

 

[rktktpaul]

Wax below the water line??

I know that when I posted this question on the SRO board, several responses were that waxing below the water line slows the boat down. When I had my boat in to be serviced/winterized, I was offered a full wax of the entire hull and off the trailer.

So I will ask here - wax below the water line??

I have to wonder if any ease of maintaining the hull gained will offset any performance losses. I mean how much loss can we be talking about here?

Opinions?!?!

 

[First Born]

Re: Wax below the water line??

I know that when I posted this question on the SRO board, several responses were that waxing below the water line slows the boat down. When I had my boat in to be serviced/winterized, I was offered a full wax of the entire hull and off the trailer.

So I will ask here - wax below the water line??

I have to wonder if any ease of maintaining the hull gained will offset any performance losses. I mean how much loss can we be talking about here?

Opinions?!?!

What was your username on SRO? :smt017

I personally do not wax below the water line. My thoughts are I wash the boat everytime it comes out of the water and every time it goes in. The boat stays in the garage so it is never sitting out in the sun. I do not avoid doing it because of the fear of losing speed but took the advise of everyone on SRO. Plus I would have to do it on the trailer and would not get complete coverage anyway and a hurt back at the same time. If I were paying someone else to do it and they had the proper equipment to get the job done than I would have them wax below the water line. Just my thoughts....

Wesley

 

[Dave S]

Waxing the hull below the water line technically does slow you down a bit. But if it makes you feel better, do it anyhow. Personally I have never waxed below the water line on any boats I have owned and that gelcoat always shined regardless of that. Most dulling of gelcoat is due to the UV rays from the sun. Areas below the water line are not subjected to much of that.

As far as which polish and wax to use, there are many good ones out there. Here is a picture of my 240SD (which was almost 4 years old at the time) after a polishing and waxing with Meguairs.

 

[Bridog]

Wow, not only did that shine pass "the ruler test" but I can see all the way across the lake in that reflection. Good job Dave :smt038

 

[fragmag]

once again thx for all the great feedback didn't know about waxing slowing the boat down, so that was new to me..and I'm meticulous, but 280searay makes me feel lazy. :smt089

 

[280 SeaRay]

Thanks Richard... but I am not sure I earn guru..... just like the boat to look nice.... I think someone called me anal once.... :smt043

Seriously the best advice is to find something you like and use it often. I also like the Meguiars line. I used to wax the bottom on my 220.... but the 280 has bottom paint (thank goodness).

Remember polish brings shine... wax protects the shine and your hard work until your arms and back recover and you can do it again. :thumbsup:

 

[Dave M.]

Also, is there anything in particular to watch for when waxing?

I will add to the comment about a buffer. There are two units that are commonly discussed when this comes up. One is a random orbital polisher, and is quite safe to use. It is what you would normally use for waxing. The other is a single direction rotating unit that might be used for to remove a bad case of oxidation. You must use it with care, as it can quickly get the gel coat hot enough to discolor it. You must not use too much pressure, and keep it moving all the time.

Both units are made by Porter-Cable. Took me a while to remember the name. The first is a model 7424 random orbit polisher. The second is a model 7428 rotary buffer. It is used for serious work, and the one you must be very careful using.

 

[beerman]

I would definitely advise the porter cable 7424. I just purchased one along with the velcro pads and what a difference it made on my 7 year old chevy. Looks like new. Love maguiars. My 240da is being done before I pick it up on the 17th. Can't wait till I can use on her.

 

[avguy]

Fragmag.... 280 Searay summed it up pretty good. Polish then wax. The 7424 is an excellant orbital buffer. I'm a buff nut. Some people golf....I buff stuff. Car, boat, lawnmower....doesn't make a difference to me. The neighbors see me out there for days working on the boat . I just tell them to laugh, shake their head & move on like everyone else :grin:

edit: I do wax the bottom of the boat. Not so much for the protection, it just gives me a good look at what's going on down there.

 

[rktktpaul]

Re: Wax below the water line??

What was your username on SRO? :smt017

Same as here - rktktpaul. Didn't get to post much over there before it went away.