Waxing the Hull

[Tequilasun]

I've been reading threads on other sites about waxing your boat hull, and it looks like I'm gonna start doing that. We never waxed our 03 and it still looked brand new when we sold it in favor of the 05. My question is about the vinyl graphics, should I tape them off before I wax, wax over them, or just avoid them when I apply the paste wax? I guess I am being kinda anal, but I don't want to screw something up. Also, what brand of wax do you recommend.

Thanks.

[smendez]

We wax our boat about 4 times / year. It makes it easier to clean when taken out of the water.

I use the Meguiars Boat wax. It's not a paste, but a liquid, so it's easier to apply and not too bad to buff.

I apply it over the graphics, being careful at the edges not to tear them off the boat.

I wouldn't worry about being anal. I bet most guys in this board are the same as you. I know I am.

[Tequilasun]

smendez,

Do you use 303 on the hull as well, it seems as though it is quite popular. I have used it on the vinyl seats before, but never on the hull.

[smendez]

I always used 303 on the vinyl and nowhere else. I think it does a superb job there.

I was under the impression that this was only a vinyl protectant, so I was surprised that you even mentioned using it on the hull, so I did some research and I found the following:

303 Protectant protects any color plastic, rubber, vinyl, fiberglass or sailcloth from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. 303 Protectant works great on boats, penetrating the colored gelcoat to restore a like-new finish. Protects new finishes from oxidation caused by UVS exposure. Excellent on RV's, convertible and vinyl tops, rubber bumpers, dashboards and woven polyester. Surfaces treated with 303 protectant repel dirt, dust, oils, and all oil based stains! Safe for rubber, plastic, clear and solid color vinyl, glass and paint.

Amazing! It says it can be used on the gel coat. Though I wonder how long it will last on the hull with all that water splashing about. I couldn't tell you if it's any better than a good quality marine wax.

Anyone using 303 on the hull out there??

[Gardyloo03]

I use 3-m's hull wax and it works great they make three or four kinds with varying degrees od rubbing compound in them. I had some heavy mineral deposits on my hull about a month ago that had been set for awhile. I use the 3-m with medium rubbing compound and it took off all the mineral deposits buffed out some small scratches and made the hull look better than when i got it, i am sold on the 3-m marine hull wax. If you need a good hull protectant i use their spray on wax protectant for hulls too and its a great way to maintain your wax between wax sessions and it retards uv light and makes the hull shine just spray on and wipe off after washing or rinsing the boat. I good hull cleaner for hard stains and scum is Star brite spray it on and with light srubbing rinse withing 2 minutes and crystal white and it will not harm colors but i would not use it without using a wax or wax protectant afterwards as i am skeptical of its acidity.

[Tequilasun]

I always thought 303 was just for vinyl as well, but reading some posts on wakeworld and wakeborder.com, I got the impression that a lot of people use it on the hull, either after or instead of wax. So I thought I would give it a try. Apparently, you need to wipe it off quickly or it will streak on the gelcoat.

I like the meguir's products, and I have used some of the 3M stuff for cleaning etc. So it looks like I am gonna get a bottle of both and do some experimenting.

Oh, either of you guys ever wax your trailer?

[Jeff LaHaye]

Just for the record.....

Anal-Retentive is spelled with a hyphen!!!

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one.
Some of my friends give me lots of grief over the way I pamper my baby, but they also tell me they're amazed how it looks like new after 4 seasons.

Jeff

[Tequilasun]

Originally posted by Jeff LaHaye
Anal-Retentive is spelled with a hyphen!!!

My brother in law tried to step on the boat last year with shoes on, and I thought I was gonna kill him. I actually felt embarrassed when I realized how angrily I snapped at him. Then he proceeded to use the Passenger side window support as a grab rail as we motored across the lake....I did not feel bad when I scolded him for that!

[poohpotta]

draginass - Usually wax my entire trailer twice a year, I'm extremly anal about keeping the boat clean!!!

[bfrank]

If you want to talk about being anal....... I buff the trailer, the whole boat, top and bottom (I crawl under the trailer to get the bottom hull) and light touch ups on the engine to keep it looking new!!!! I use a heavy insulator wax that they use for airplanes and high wires, this stuff holds up awesome!!!

[poohpotta]

Instead of crawling under the boat to wax the hull, I use my creeper since it's easier on my back!

[bfrank]

I do use the creeper under the nose, its harder with the buffer in the back of the boat, low ground clearance.

[smendez]

I wax the trailer as well. It's a black trailer that's almost always garaged and very well maintained. I use the black colored wax for that and it does specially well on it (It think it's 3M, I can't remember).

I've been acussed by my neighbors that one of these days I'm going to "rub the paint off the boat", since all they ever see us doing is cleaning, and washing it.

Also, my friends look at me strangely when I go through the ground rules before anyone new lays a hand on the boat, which includes - Absolutely no shoes inside

I'm anal, but I also know I'm not the only one

[bfrank]

This is kind of like a support group for anal Tige waxers!!!!!

[TigeDuner]

How about the Teak????????