Marine wax and polishing brands
 

i've always used Meguires for cars but did some research when we bought our boat and found out about a company called Heller Glanz. They seemed to have good reviews so i tried em out. I ended up not bing so impressed. Product didnt really live up to all the hype. So I'm now thinking of going back to the Meguires. Do they have a full line of marine waxes, polishes, and cleaners or is it just a couple items? Anybody else out there use the Heller Glanz stuff? What are all you using to keep your Mariahs nice and shiny?

I'm a Meguiar's user myself. They've got some great stuff, especially the "Flagship" line. They have a kit called the "New Boat Owner's Kit", which I usually pick up from the local Bass Pro Shop at the beginning of the season for about $20-25, it has the Flagship Premium Marine Wash, the Flagship Premium Marine Wax, Quick Clean, and a buffing pad. Can't beat the price of it, as a bottle of the Flagship usually runs about $20 each.

This year, I also used Meguiar's Fiberglass Restoration Kit, which contains heavy duty oxidation remover, hi-gloss polish, and carnuba wax. I noticed a huge improvement in the appearance of the gelcoat after using it. I did a writeup on my blog about it, one of these days I'll upload it here!

Meguiar's
 

Meguiar's has a full line of Boat/RV products. Washes, cleaners and waxes.

I wanted to do a full hull cleaning this spring, I wasn't able to find the restoration "kit" locally, but I could have bought all the components separately. In the end, I wound up just buying the oxidation remover, and the flagship wax. I was very impressed with the results. It made a huge difference in the appearance of my 11 year old hull. I'd be interested to know how much better things would have been had I not skipped the polish. Maybe I'll try that next spring.

Just wondering if anyone has tried using that 3M Fibreglass Restorer and Wax?

I have a bottle of it and I still have not found the time to apply it. Using the boat has been winning over spending time cleaning it.. lol. My gelcoat is dull looking and it does have some chalking. Next week I start my holidays and im sure I will be taking at least a day to go over the boat with it.

Is it easy to use / apply by hand? Would I be better buying a buffer? Does the carnauba wax damage the gelcoat surface and make it yellow? (so I have heard).

Edit - I do also have a bottle of Meguiars Flagship wax for final application.


thanks.

I read where many people used a buffer to apply the stuff. I have a big 10" random orbit buffer that I tried, but I found that it was awkward. In the end, I found that old fashioned elbow grease was just as efficient with equally good results, so that is what I stuck with. It was a long day, and my arms were pretty tired at the end, but the results were well worth it. I was amazed by how much the oxidation remover brought up the colour in my gelcoat.

Well if I talk nicely to my girlfriend she "may" give me a hand with restoring the gelcoat. If not then, im going to be one tired guy. My boat is covered from the sun so it wont be to hot to the touch, at least on the bow portion, stern might be more visible to sun however. Being a bow rider I loose that much extra bow area to worry about treating.

I assume what is normally "polished/treated" would be anything that is above the rubrails?

Below my rails I have a huge green decal that runs the length of the boat and there is a second smaller decal that again runs the length of the boat. Then you are pretty much on the water-line.

Gloves would be recommended to wear when applying the stuff? What about dust masks for when the product dries out...? How much pressure do you have to use when applying it? Can you damage the gelcoat if you were to press down to hard?

I've used the 3M f-glass restorer & wax on my older (& since sold) Stingray and wasn't impressed by it. It was tough work to apply & remove by hand but may have done better with a polisher unit.
I use the Meguiars Flagship wax now and it leaves an excellent shine on the Mariah. I've read nothing but good reports about the rest of their products also.

Gloves aren't necessary for using the stuff. Dust masks might not be a bad idea if you're going to be using a buffer, but for hand application, you should be ok. Just turn your head away when you pat your removal rags. Another word of precaution, if going to use a buffer, just keep it moving, don't leave it in one place for too long. Your Gelcoat is pretty tough, but can heat up if you leave the buffer on it too long. I recommend doing it by hand if you're not 100% confident in your buffing abilities. For a boat your size, it shouldn't take very long. I did the whole fiberglass restoration kit, including 2 coats of the finishing wax in a half day. And I've got a bit more surface area than you bowrider guys. But I will say I was literally BEAT after that half day of work.

The #56 wax is the final step in the Meguiars Kit, and according to their website it's a:

"Blend of pure Brazilian carnauba wax with silicones, polymers and resins to maintain extraordinary gloss and long, lasting protection. Protects against the sun's ultraviolet rays."

No yellowing of any kind, even though the wax is yellow colored, and smells REALLY good!!! I don't know if it's done on purpose, but it sure smells like Bananas & Tropical Drinks... I was craving one so bad, I had to sit down and have a Pina Colada after applying it! :)

Tell your gf: "The sooner it's done, the sooner we're on the water..." ;)

On my boat I cleaned and waxed everything from the waterline up. I have big (Shabah) decals on the side, and they were not affected by the application of the oxidation remover or the wax. I just worked right over them. I didn't rub them too hard however...

I'm glad I got mine done a while ago. I'm off on holidays starting Friday, and mine is ready to get wet!

hmmm how about the Meguiars Oxidation remover? Yeah the more I keep on hearing on how pleased people are with the Meguiars products, almost makes me want to return the 3M and get the Meguiars instead.. lol.

But u know what.. I bought the stuff, so im going to use it. If I dont like it then for next season I can always buy the Meguiars.