New to this... Need a starter kit

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GonzoF1

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Jun 29, 2009
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Just bought my first boat and need to put together a cleaning kit to take down this weekend... or next. It doesn't look like the previous owner did a lot of cleaning because I can't really find any supplies onboard. It isn't dirty by any stretch, but I want to start right and try and keep her clean. I think (but I am NO expert at what I am looking at), there is a bit of oxidation. The topsides have a satin look about them. Nor do I know if the original color is stark white and she's yellowed some or if the original color is supposed to be on the yellow-ish side.

Anyway, what do I need in the way of supplies? Where is the best place to get them? How much? Please keep in mind that I don't want to goto West Marine and spend $200+ on this stuff. Would like to use good automotive replacements where possible. We are new to this and really have a tight budget while getting started in boating.

Thanks!

Putting a pic for easy reference... Can make it bigger if needed. And I have some deck detail shots too.
bigshot1.jpg
 
Look thru the Boatfix cleaning supplies section. I like the Meguiars Boat wash and a medium stiff bristle brush for the topsides and a soft bristle for the polished surfaces.
I use either Spray 9 or 4X spray cleaner for the tough spots with one of those white bristled shower/tub scrub brushes (looks like a small iron).

If the surfaces are oxidized, you'll want to get them polished before you get it waxed. Then I'd use either Meguiars Flagship Premium wax or Collinite (used on older gelcoats)
 
What are the differences in the surfaces? I mean, I don't know what is suppose a polished surface and what isn't. Do you treat topsides and hull differently?
 
Starbrite Non Skid Deck Cleaner. I also use Kit Car Wash fo everything else. Remember that deck cleaner strips wax, so I only use it in the spring before I wax. For Oxidized Gel, I've found notheing comes close to Yacht Bright Buff Magic with a ROTARY BUFFER and followed by Pro Polish by hand.
 
I used 3M Finesse-it with a high speed buffer to polish the gelcoat before waxing. If it is oxidized I use Tre-Wax heavy duty compound. Keep in mind these dont work well with those random orbit buffers.

A polished surface will be a really smooth shiny gelocat surface. Yes, because the topside gets more sun and rain, it gets more care than the hullsides. It gets washed and waxed more often. I like the Collinite for the topsides.
 
Buff Magic .. followed by Pro polish!! Wash surface first ... can't beat it.
 
Can you get that stuff locally? Like WM or Overton's... Or Auto Zone? Is it marine specific?
 
I think WM may carry it ... our marina store has it ... about $20 a can, but it goes a long way!!
 
Definately only in a Marine Store. Check with Boatfix. After Mike tried it, he was so impressed that he called me at home. I think he said they were going to start carrying it. Sibley???????
 
If not an orbital buffer, then what? I have an electric angle grinder. Is that what y'all are using?
 
After your first good cleaning with Dawn soap and after you buff it out and then protect it with Pro Polish or Zaino, wash it with Turtle Wax car soap. Gentle and very cheap at the "mart" stores.

Turtle Wax chrome polish is a great cheap stainless steel polish.

Once you get it clean try to stay away from harsh cleaners that can strip off you polish.

Vinyl should be protected with 303 Protectant. Well worth the money.

Makita makes great tools. But some of the cheaper buffers work just as good, can weigh less and last for years.

If the finish is as you discribed, you are most likely going to have to compound, polish and then protect the surface to get it looking good. You might want to leave the compounding and polishing to a pro if you've never done it.
 
I agree with everything Capt Bill says except for the Dawn, It removes too much oil from the gelcoat, tending to cause it to oxidize faster. I recommend a good boat or car cleaner, like Meguiars.
 
I just looked at my angle grinder. It isn't a variable speed. So I assume it's out as a possibility. 11,000 rpms is a tad fast ;)

Ok... Let me see if I got all this:

Wash boat with Dawn or Kitt or Macguire's (I'm fairly sure there is no wax on it now so Dawn seems like the cheapest way to go) Can I leave it like this for a week?

Then use Buff Magic (?) With a buffer I don't own yet :(

Then use Pro Polish or Zanio. With the same buffer I still don't own.

Then only wash with Macguire's or Turtle Wax Car Soap after that.

Are these the same steps for topside or is this just for the hull? Can you do this from a dingy? I mean, not sure I want to be holding a spinning electric power tool while floating around in a nine-foot rubber boat :)

And what about the non-skid? Starbrite? Are all horizontal surfaces non-skid and you wash them separately than anything else?

Sorry for all the dumb questions.
 
Mostly correct. I still protest against the Dawn or any dish liquid. These items are slightly caustic and will over time etch things (they dissolve grease and dried foods...).

You want to wash thoroughly to remove loose oxidation. Then wash again just for the stuff you missed. Then polish and wax as soon after as possible. You dont want to grind in dust and dirt from a weeks worth of lawn mower spewings...

I have done it from a dingy. Doable but not much fun.

Maybe be cheaper to hire someone to come in and detail the boat initially then all you will need to do is wash and wax it monthly
 
From what I've heard, those guys command a pretty penny. Since we are so new to this, we am not willing to pay someone to do something we are clearly able to do ourselves.

As for the washing, I see your point. However, I want to kind of start from scratch here. What wash would you start with that WILL take of and residual wax and oxidation?

I forgot to mention that I talked to a guy who was washing a Bristol condition Bristol that is moored a couple of slips away from us. He mentioned mixing Wisk, Bleach and tri-sodium phosphate. What is this all about?
 
I have heard of that for washing teak, not good gelcoat. Some marinas frown on laundry detergent (which is mostly water softeners, fragrance and water) being rinsed into the water.

You are right about their costs. However, buying a buffer, several pads, a gallon or two of the compound & peripherals, is going to run you $350-400. Plus it will take you several days to do it.

I would wash the boat with boat wash, then let the polishing compound remove any residuals. A semi stiff bristle will help remove the oxidation.
 
How much compound, soap, and polish will I need for 35'? I think I'm going to just attack the topsides this month, go after the hull in August.
 
I order the large bottle of boat wash, the one gallon can of Finesse and two cans of compound and it lasts me all year.
You could probably just use one can of compound, a bottle of finesse to get started. Buy the big boat soap cuz you'll wash more often.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

I agree with everything Capt Bill says except for the Dawn, It removes too much oil from the gelcoat, tending to cause it to oxidize faster. I recommend a good boat or car cleaner, like Meguiars.

Click to expand...


Read it again. :-)

As I said, you only use the Dawn for the first wash before you compound, polish and protect.

The Dawn helps to get the old wax and crud off the gelcoat/paint before you start to restore it.
 
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