Springtime clean up

rasbury

Since I'm home now, I've really enjoyed some housekeeping in the cabin I never had time to do. Not that there are not issues to be taken care of, but it's nice to see i have time to devote to all of it- not shot gun blasting problem solving. Anyway, my face book feed seems to be pushing the latest and greatest for other than conventional compounds and wax for hulls. They tought a "ceramic" protection better than wax to keep the oxidation away..blah blah blah. I know I'm evoking a thunderstorm of opinion,  maybe even some coming to blows- does anything of this stuff work?
Our vessel has sat in the florida sun, no winter wrap for all these year, I'm 2nd owner. I have no idea how much gelcoat is left from wet sanding. 1st owner for sure had the $$ to pay someone for detailing. I did sand it lightly when we first purchased, I did not see any problems but concerned.  I normally use a 3M heavy duty oxidation remover and wax in one. Its a gentle "compound" that as you buff it in, the ruff disappears and it leaves a decent finish. I have followed up with a good marine wax but I can't measure if that was worth it. Who's trying any of the new stuff or just staying with your tried and true?

grouch0jr

I'm also interested in what people do for hull detailing. This was my first year with a boat, the blue is definitely oxidizing. I plan on buying a rotary polisher and putting the work in. 

rasbury

@grouch0jr don't get carried away with expensive stuff IMO. I bought one from harbor freight and it spins just fine!

Ian

I use the 3M 3-in-1 also, and works well - and applies a wax

rasbury

Ian said:

I use the 3M 3-in-1 also, and works well - and applies a wax

Its not 100% but I don't want to damage anything and seems safe- thx 

grouch0jr

While we are on the topic of detailing etc... I've got some stains at the water line of my boat. Do I need to get that off before compounding the hull sides, or will the buffing process remove the scum line?

aero3113

You will most likely have to remove it before. Just get some hull cleaner and it will wipe right off.

grouch0jr

A lot of the hull cleaners I've looked at say not to use around bottom paint. Any suggestions here?

Rich_

I was actually shocked that the west marine brand actually did a decent job. The bottom paint warning probably has more to do with it changing the color a bit than anything else- not an issue if you get all along the waterline equally or plan to paint. Muriatic acid has been used to clean up the scum line as well, but be very careful around the fumes from that stuff as well as metals like a trailer Read a personal protection when using these types of products

grouch0jr

I'm not painting this year so i don't want to mess it up too bad.

rasbury

grouch0jr said:

A lot of the hull cleaners I've looked at say not to use around bottom paint. Any suggestions here?

I would try the buff with the 3m product for lite oxidation which has some sort of material that acts as a compound material and brakes down to a wax somehow...then go postal on it if it does not work. You could take some 1000 grit with a block and give it a little rub with that...

grouch0jr

I used Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner and the grime practically melted off. Thanks for the tips.

Dream_Inn

I've been happy with Star Brite also for the non-skid cleaner.  It doesn't take my wax off when I clean the bow, but it does keep all of my non-skid nice and white.  Later in the year I tend to get some little black dots (mold) on the non-skid, then I use the home armor (green bottle at home depot).  It has bleach, so lots of washing afterwards.