New to boat detailing, looking for advice

[madmanmax3000]

So last year I bought a 2007 Sea Ray 240 Sundeck. I had it put in the water last week but it's looking a little dull. It's driven in Long Island Sound, so it gets a lot of salt exposure and the metal is starting to look a bit rough also. I was considering picking up some polish and wax and was hoping to get some advice on a plan of attack.

One challenge is that the boat is in the water currently, and I don't trailer it. It seems as though most people detail the boat when its on the trailer. I have a UDM to work with, and I have lots of experience in car detailing.

I'll probably get flamed for this, but may as well tell you guys that this is my third boat (got my first back in '98) and this is the first one I've really thought about detailing!

So what do I need to buy to get my metal and gelcoat glistening again??

[yachtfisher]

depends on how dull it is, usually all the flat(horizintals) get beat up the most. Is your rail tubing aluminum or s/steel ??

light oxizidation - 3m finess it II or heavy oxidation meguires #4 / then finess it II / then meguires polish #49 (i think or 45) which ever is the polish / then sealer PTFE liquid wax.

stainless steel 3-D's deep blue and collinite metal wax - works great

thats how i would do it

mark

[Greg Nichols]

If its more than light Oxidation, I suggest you use 3M super duty compound. I'm doing a boat right now and it makes fast work of bad oxidation, I will follow it up with Finess it II and then LSP it with Collinite 845.

I'm still game for finding a was with high durability and UVpro.

[themightytimmah]

I usually hit boats with Meguiar's Marine Line One-Step (#67 IIRC). It's really as aggressive as you're going to be able to get without a rotary, and you may end up needing to step up to a rotary and something like Greg and Mark mentioned above.

It leaves a wax behind too, but I like to top with Collinite for extra protection.

[Greg Nichols]

^^^^
Yeah I missed the point you have a UMD, not a rotary. I cannot imagine doing a boat without a rotary, a gel coat is tough.

[abbeysdad]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but may as well tell you guys that this is my third boat (got my first back in '98) and this is the first one I've really thought about detailing!

You best give yerself a stern talkin to!

[greggara]

I just tried a product called Buff Magic by Yacht Brite. I believe the parent company is Shurhold. Very easy to use. I just used it on a 20 year old boat and it came out looking great. It can even be used on metal. Check it out.

I will be using it on my 2007 cobalt in the coming weeks.

[impalaman1963]

This stuff is the BEST.
Welcome to Poliglow Products Boat Polish Fiberglass Restoration - The Manufacturer for Over 15 Years!
Before
After

[madmanmax3000]

Thanks for the advice guys. So when I use the buffer should I mask off the pinstriping and vinyl details?

Has anybody had any experience with Marine Shield products? I think they may be new this year. They're a bit pricy but they are made by Raymarine and seem high quality.

For the metal I have been using Flitz liquid polish. Is there anything better to be using?

Hey Greg, do you use the Buff Magic with a rotary or by hand?

Impala, what stores sell Poliglow? I had trouble finding it.

[impalaman1963]

madmanmax3000
I bought mine on ebay much cheaper than local stores.This stuff is GREAT. The Scamp trailer is all fiberglass.
check this site out
PoliGlow - An End to Boat Wax
ebay
eBay Motors: Poli-Glow Cleaner and Fiberglass Restorer System (item 170219711582 end time May-22-08 07:26:41 PDT)

[greggara]

You can use Buff Magic by hand but it is many times better with a rotary and wool pad.

[madmanmax3000]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm gonna have to pick up some stuff this week and get started