Finbreaker":2bxk3yfh said:
I have never used an actual mechanical buffer and usually do all my waxing by hand, but my only experience is on cars and trucks, not boats! Would you recommend I purchase a buffer? Second, I notice you really like the Buff Magic product, but I noticed that Collinite also sells a Fiberglass boat cleaner they recommend as a prep for their paste wax application. I thought I might give that stuff a try. Third, you mentioned in one of the posts that you waxed your outboard motor- what product do you use for that job? And finally, do you actually wax the large back deck area of the boat behind the pilot house? Thanks again for all the great information, I will put it to good use but don't think I'm going to be able to compete with your level of detail! I will be happy to get the boat washed and possibly waxed one full time for the start of our fishing season here in Southern California!
Remember that you boat is covered in gelcoat which is more durable than the paint on your car or truck.
You can use a high speed Makita, or you can use a simple orbital buffer. The choice is yours, as both will work.
Doing the job by hand also works, but my rotators won't allow it.
They key to bringing gelcoat back to life is not to spread the 'dead' gelcoat around.
Use whatever product you choose to remove the chalking, and keep it off.
That requires you to switch to clean pads regularly. Once the chalk is removed, only then should you wax.
If you wax over the chalk, no amount of buffing will make it look good.
Trust me... I've probably used every product known to mankind at one point or another over the years.
Find the product(s) you like, and go to it!
The amount of effort that you expend is directly related to how good a result you are after.
If in doubt, start small and experiment until you get the results you are after.
Everyone has their own idea of 'done' and 'good enough'. There is no right or wrong.
What level of perfection you want is an individual thing.
What ever you do, have fun and enjoy your boat. :wink: