Best tools to buy for detailing the boat end to end

[Amar Nanduri]

Hi Guys. I plan to spend a couple of days in detailing my boat end to end inside and outside. I do have quite a few scratches on the inside and the outside appears faded , a few scratches on the chrome strip surrounding the boat. I want to do it right and do it perfect. What are the correct tools and polishes/waxes etc to buy ?

Mine is a 2010 AR240 in blue and white.

Best
Amar..

 

[Ronnie]

I've done it with a dual action polisher, marine soap and wax, soft scrub with bleach, chrome polish, magic erasers and armour all (for the trailer tires).

However the best tool I've found so far is $300 to $400 to pay someone else to do it.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

Thanks Ronnie. I plan to do it at least once a month so getting it done outside is out of question.

Best
Amar

 

[Andy S]

I use all the stuff @Ronnie talked about and like you still do it myself. I have been very happy with the dual action polisher I got from Harbor Freight, definitely a lot cheaper in price than other brands.

 

[Ronnie]

Seriously the materials I mentioned are what I used successfully but it takes a lot of time compared to a car. He stressful part is buffing the scratches out (nothing like taking sandpaper to your boat), until you get the hang of it.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

Any links in Amazon to buy the stuff ? I need the brand name for polisher etc. thanks

 

[Amar Nanduri]

Seriously the materials I mentioned are what I used successfully but it takes a lot of time compared to a car. He stressful part is buffing the scratches out (nothing like taking sandpaper to your boat), until you get the hang of it.

I would rather be spending all that time on my boat than give my wife an excuse to keep me busy if she catches me taking a break

 

[Andy S]

Here is the wax/cleaner I like to use, https://www.amazon.com/3M-Marine-Cl...964&sr=8-1&keywords=3m+marine+cleaner+and+wax

 

[RightStuff]

Make sure you find a gelcoat specific cleaner to get things clean first, car wash stuff isn't recommended for gel-coated surfaces. I'm not a chemist, so I assume they are formulated different for the different surfaces. I think I have something from the Star Brite brand.

As for polish/waxes, I have been using Meguiar's marine products with pretty good success. I don't have any oxidation, but you could add that step if you feel like there is some fading in the color. Here's a link to those products on one page, they do sell them as a kit, but you can buy each individually too. http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/products/m4965-mg-fiberglass-oxidation-removal-kit/

Before this year I have been doing these steps by hand, I recently bought a dual action polisher (just the cheap Harbor Freight one) to try this year.

Here's an example of my hull after a good cleaning and waxing:
https://jetboaters.net/threads/show-us-what-you-see.4515/page-129#post-162939

 

[flyingnugget]

[QUOTE="However the best tool I've found so far is $300 to $400 to pay someone else to do it.[/QUOTE]

LOL...Can't argue with ya at all on this... I still love to do it myself. But, there is that moment after its all done and looking showroom ready that, I realize this is the best this boat will look all seaason after I get the family and friends in it..oh well...and the party goes on

 

[Amar Nanduri]

Make sure you find a gelcoat specific cleaner to get things clean first, car wash stuff isn't recommended for gel-coated surfaces. I'm not a chemist, so I assume they are formulated different for the different surfaces. I think I have something from the Star Brite brand.

As for polish/waxes, I have been using Meguiar's marine products with pretty good success. I don't have any oxidation, but you could add that step if you feel like there is some fading in the color. Here's a link to those products on one page, they do sell them as a kit, but you can buy each individually too. http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/products/m4965-mg-fiberglass-oxidation-removal-kit/

Before this year I have been doing these steps by hand, I recently bought a dual action polisher (just the cheap Harbor Freight one) to try this year.

Here's an example of my hull after a good cleaning and waxing:
https://jetboaters.net/threads/show-us-what-you-see.4515/page-129#post-162939

Thanks. Can you elaborate on gel coat specific cleaner. I did not understand. I use McGuire products myself. I need to upgrade my polisher to this powerful one. I heard people talking about hot sauce. What is that ?

Best
Amar

 

[blacksapphirez]

I would go with rotary buffer vs dual action.

I've used both. Dual Action maybe nice on a car so you won't burn the clearcoat but on a boat, I used rotary buffer from harbor freight with wool/synthetic wool pads worked very well.

Sand if you like but in my case it didn't need it. use one step/cleaner wax then use polish wax to protect the gel coat

 

[RightStuff]

Thanks. Can you elaborate on gel coat specific cleaner. I did not understand.

It's just a soap formulated for gel coat surfaces. Something like this: http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/products/m4364-marine-boat-soap/

As for Hot Sauce, that's a quick spray on/wipe off cleaner with some light wax included. Here is some details about that produce specifically: https://jetboatpilot.com/index.php?id_product=28&controller=product

My process for the year is like this, I'm sure others do things a bit differently...
1) After taking the boat out of storage it gets a good cleaning inside and out
2) Polish/wax hull
3) Every time the boat is pulled out of the water it gets wiped down before leaving the ramp parking lot (I have a black hull which gets water spots very quickly)
4) About once a month I use Hot Sauce as a touch up and to prevent water spots (plus it smells amazing!)
5) After any extended time in the water (more than a day) the boat gets washed with the gel coat cleaner (haven't found I needed to wax mid-season)
6) End of the season and before storage she gets another final cleaning inside and out

Those steps might be too much for some, and not enough for others, it's really personal preference. This also depends on how much time you want to spend on it too, and what sort of exposure your boat gets to water/sun/dirt/etc.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

How about cleaning the inside of the boat ? What products can be used ? Do I need to use a power wash inside and outside ?

 

[blacksapphirez]

I simply was inside just like outside using the boat wash soap.

Then I do the seats with Vinyl cleaner, Magic Eraser(on heavy stains only), protect with 303 or other vinyl protectants afterwards.

I don't think pressure washer is necessary.

 

[swatski]

This is my personal favorite - check out @OCMD video in post #15, it's priceless:
https://jetboaters.net/threads/buffing-exterior.2578/

I don't take @OCMD advice on fins, lol, but as far as boat upkeep and maintenance - he is my hero.

--

 

[Amar Nanduri]

I use all the stuff @Ronnie talked about and like you still do it myself. I have been very happy with the dual action polisher I got from Harbor Freight, definitely a lot cheaper in price than other brands.

Harbor Frieght is offering $20 off that polisher. I used coupon code 73870861 and got it for $49.99 instead of $69.99

 

[FloJet]

I like the Boat Bling products for all my detailing needs.

 

[tdonoughue]

I got a Griot's Garage polisher. Yes, it was $$$, but I think it was worth it. Random orbital, but very strong motor on it. Keeps speed no matter how hard I press. Makes quick work of the boat...

 

[Dennis P]

I use Vinyl Sauce on the interior before the cover goes on after every day out, keeps my 08 looking fine!