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]

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 :D

[bfrank]

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

[TigeDuner]

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

[Gardyloo03]

I use star brite teak cleaner britener and then oil atleast once a month if not twice or more.

[smendez]

This is what we use. It works really well for us. I haven't used anything else.

[Tequilasun]

I usually sand the teak 3 times a year and then oil it. Starbright it what we have used the most.

[TigeDuner]

Looks like Starbrite is the oil of choice-thanks

[Tequilasun]

Here it is

[smendez]

With the sealer I never had to sand the platform. Just seal it once or twice a year. That's all that it requires to keep it looking great.

[Tequilasun]

I know a guy that restores old wooden boats, and has worked on boats for the better part of his 60 years, and he told me without a doubt NOT to use the teak sealer. He said the teak would rot from the inside out. Maybe he's just stuck in his ways, but he knows more about wood in a marine setting than anyone I have met. So I think I'll stick to my sanding ways :)

[Jeff LaHaye]

Gee, that kinda makes sense, especially for the swim platform which is constantly getting wet..

I've just oiled my platform 3-4 times per season, but noticed it getting grungy. Hadn't considered sanding it. What grit do you use? Do you pull the platform off and sand by hand, or....?

Thanks for the advice.

Jeff

[Tequilasun]

This is what I do:

1: Take the swim platform off the Boat
2: Have a beer
3: Pressure Wash platform, top and bottom
4: Let dry, have a beer
5: Sand entire platform with 80 grit
6: Have a beer
7: Touch up any really rough spots with 120 grit
8: Have a beer
9: Wash off sanding dust
10: Let dry, have a beer
11: Apply teak oil
12: Re-attach platform

Usually takes me 2 hours or so, I wonder how I could ever speed this up? My wife thinks it takes way too long.

80 and 120 are all I use, I'm not trying to get the platform really smooth. i.e. slippery when wet, just raise the grain and take off some of the scratches

[TigeDuner]

Do you reinstall the platform after the teak oil or the next day after you sober up???

[smendez]

So far I haven't kept a boat long enough to see the teak rot, and it's so much easier to apply the sealer.

The downside is I don't get nearly as many beers doing it my way ;)

[Tequilasun]

Thats one serious downside :)

[Beau McCrory]

no offense, but i like the dragginass method. in fact, i'll call it that when i get my boat back from the shop! may require at least a six pack to sand it down though. my wife will probably want clarification on the name and on the method, tho!

[Gardyloo03]

Smendez what is different about that teak oil sealer, than just star brites teak oil? does it have a urethane in it or what? On you reccommendation im thinking about making the switch, as long as you think it looks and protects just as good.

[smendez]

Gardyloo...

My platform has always been very low maintenance. I can't tell you if it's due to the sealer or if it's due to the fact that the boat has always been garaged.

I can't tell you if it protects as good as the oil, because I've never used the oil.

I took the can and scanned the label. I'm attaching a picture. Since I had to resize the picture, it may be hard to read, so I OCR'd the label and I'm pasting the results below.

I hope it helps!

Saulo


From the label - Please pardon the errors - OCR is not 100%.
OUTLASTS ALL OTHER TEAK OIL SEALERS * SPECIAL UV INHIBITORS PREVENT DRYING
OUT & WEATHERING OF WOOD * SPACE AGE POLYMERIC ADDITIVES SEAL OUT WATER &
STOP WOOD FROM TURNING BLACK * SPECIAL FORMULA STOPS DRIPS & SPLATTERING


Star brite Tropical Teak Oil/Sealer was developed specifically for
harsh tropical climates. However, itis also superior in northern
climates and outperforms all other teak oils.If wood is grey and/or
dirty, first treat with Star brite Teak Cleaner or Star brite Gel
Formula Teak Cleaner. Next, use Star brite Teak Brightener to bring
out the grain and patina in the wood. If you are sanding your teak to
smooth the wood, it must be cleaned with Star brite Teak Cleaner
after sanding to remove loose wax and pitch from the surface. It is
important that the sanded wood be cleaned after sanding so that the
Tropical Teak Oil/Sealer can penetrate evenly to provide maximum
adhesion and performance. After cleaning teak, should any black
streaks, stains or dirt marks remain, use Star brite's Magic Scrubber
while teak is wet to remove all discolorations. Mix Tropical Teak
Oil/Sealer by shaking or stirring before applying. Use a mixing
stick to get any solids on the bottom of the container into solution.
Teak should be completely dry befrtre applying Tropical Teak
Oil/Sealer. Apply product with a foam brush using short strokes in
the direction of the wood grain, It is important to use even brush
strokes to obtain a uniform finish. Always stop application at a
natural break point such as a seam. Look over the treated areas to
make sure that there are no brush marks or uneven spots. Uneven
or poor application can be corrected by rubbing with a clean, dry
towel in the direction of the wood grain before sealer dries. Any
spills or drips should be cleaned immediately with mineral spirits
and a clean rag. One or two coats are all that are necessary to
obtain desired color and wood grain patina. Should heavy traffic
areas show wear after a period of time, simply wash the treated
surfaces with Star brite Boat Wash or diluted Star brite Teak
Cleaner and allow to dry. Touch up abraded surfaces by applying a
coat of Tropical Teak Oil/Sealer and then wiping with a clean, dry
cloth to blend into surrounding area. It is not necessary to redo the
entire surface as the touched up area will blend in with other
treated teak on drying. Maintenance of the surface will he minimal
compared to standard teak oils. As Tropical Teak Oil/Sealer ages.
it will not turn black but will slowly fade after a prolonged period
of time. At that time a new application of Star brite Tropical Teak
Oil/Sealer should be applied to the surface after first treating with
Star brite Teak Cleaner and Star brite Teak Brightener. S hould you
wish to remove Ti'opical Teak Oil/Sealer for any reason, simply
use Star brite's Gel Formula Teak Cleaner, following directions on
the container. This is the only teak cleaner that will remove
Tropical Teak Oil/Sealer safely, quickly and efficiently.

DANGER: Contains petroleum distillates. Harmful or
fatal if swallowed. If ingested do not induce vomiting.
Call physician immediately. Combustible. Do not use
near heat, sparks or open flame. Use only in well
ventilated areas.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.


ANY QUESTIONS? NEED
HELP? CALL
1-800-327-8583

Star brite
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314 USA.