Compounding ...by hand

J

jeffk

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2093
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415
My marina will not let you use a buffer on the boat in the yard.
I don't feel like going to another yard and doing a haulout,so I will be compounding by hand.
Any recommendations on what works?
There is very light oxidation.
 
quote:
Originally posted by jeffk

My marina will not let you use a buffer on the boat in the yard.

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That is one of the most stupid, restrictive things I've ever heard a marina do. I say vote with your dollars and tell them you're leaving.

No marina can be that good?
 
WTF !! They must have a waiting list beyond belief.
 
quote:
Originally posted by jeffk

My marina will not let you use a buffer on the boat in the yard.

Any recommendations

Click to expand...


Yes, tell your marina to shove it, and move to one that does not have such stupid rules.
 
Just go ahead and do it. You think they might have you arrested?

(what a STUPID rule)
 
Actually I like the marina. They will not let you use a buffer on their grounds. It is not a DIY yard. They have a deal with a detailer and SHE is expensive and PITA. That being said I will just take my buffer out but at some point someone will come out and ask me to shut it down.
After some of the stories I have heard on this website of marinas charging you a % of the bill when you bring in your own mechanic and this marina charging me 25 bucks when I bring in my guy it is not so bad.
Dale, not a bad idea. Where are you in Fort Pierce?
 
What works is to use a buffer. Even then its a lot of work. If you simply must do it by hand, then just don't. Not worth wasting the time.

I have an extremely hard time imagining a situation where I would agree to anything that stipulates how I'm going to take care of my own property. Sounds like a yard with some very svelt European values.

Do they ask that you sit to pee when using your own head while in the marina too?
 
quote:
Originally posted by jeffk

There is very light oxidation.

Click to expand...


I don't see why a buffer is needed for very light oxidation. Use a fine buffing compound followed by wax (or other product). It will take quite a few hours to do the topside where it fades the most.
 
If very light oxidation you could try Meguiar's Cleaner Wax.
If that's not good enough, well, I know a guy that took his boat to a beach on the river and used his boat's 115v.power to run his buffer...with a GFCI, IIRC.
Lots of ways to go about it...
Buzz
 
Thanx I appreciate the constructive comments. I can compound by hand and it will look fine. Ghost you having a bad day? My marina happens to be excellent. The office is great and the yardworkers are the best and they give members a substantial discount.
While I am in hi and dry if I need a slip for a night I never get charged.
They have the right to apply whatever rules they want to their yard. I assume it is due to their insurance policy.
As far as my peeing goes if you really need to know send me your email address and I will be happy to send you a picture.
 
quote:
Originally posted by jeffk

Actually I like the marina. They will not let you use a buffer on their grounds. It is not a DIY yard. They have a deal with a detailer and SHE is expensive and PITA.....

Click to expand...


Sounds just like Obamacare for boats. Like it or not, I agree you should walk away.
 
What part of I like the marina was not understood?
If I was looking for a new marina, The post would have been different.
Whomever the moderator is, please delete topic.
Thanks
jk
 
back to the original question, if it is very light oxidation try a standard cleaner wax. it is a light compound with wax. i would go over top of that with a polishing wax. but you can do this by hand if the area is not huge and the the oxidation is not bad. if it gets to be too much to do without a machine you'll have to "tip" the marina mgmt so they don't throw you out for bending the rules. i'm sure the detailer they have a deal with is kicking money back to them, and after all they are there to be in buisness.
 
Vic,
Thanks, my oxidation is very light and doing it by hand does not bother me.
The detailer pays a fee and has an exclusive concession to work in the yard.
Is the rule stupid? Sure but as a whole its a good place to keep your boat.
What part of Florida are you in?
 
If you have Light oxidation I'm finding 3M-Marine Finesse-It a great product to start with. I do a 2 or 3 foot square at a time then I move on to the next area. Don't let it completely dry before you take it off. Whatever cleaner/wax or wax you apply afterwards will go on and off like butter.
 
Compounding by hand does take longer. Using a buffer may be quicker but it does take some skill. My boat sat for 5 years, the last two were outside with just a cockpit cover. The topsides were dull and chalky. The first year I got her back out I used a meduim compound. It looked Ok but did not last the whole season. The following spring I wet sanded with 1500 grit then 2500 grit sand paper followed by a medium compound. It lasted the full season and I redid it in the fall. This spring I again used a fine compound and it lasted all season. I just started to clean her up before putting her away. I am amazed how she shines. From the rub rail and below it looks better than boats 10-15 years newer. The topside is good but does not have the glossy, wet look of a new boat. I did use a buffer this spring, but it left some swirl marks. Doing it by hand this fall gave me the best results. I am estimating that I have spent about 8 hours compounding and then waxing above the rub rail. The waxing part is much quicker; wax on, dry, the wax off. You'll spend most of your time with the buffing compound. That is were the results will be.
 
I will wait till November too hot in Florida now.
My father in law and I have corvettes mine is a 90 his is a 62 and we send each other detailing products.
He sent me a polish called Glare. I have been using zaino for years very happily.
I tried this Glare and my car feels like it is a sheet of glass. It has never shined like this and i have won some local car shows.
I would like to use it after I compound. Probably need two days, at worst I will get a good arm workout.
Finess it sound like what I am looking for.
 
I use Astro Shield on my Corvette. Very good stuff. Too fine to use on a boat that looks like it needs a compounding. Would be great for a new boat or car.
 
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