Boat Detailing Products

VP Mark

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Hello fellow AG'ers!

Last year I did about 10 boat details and this year I'm wanting to ramp it up to 30-40, so I'm looking for advice on new products. Automotive products work nicely, but if I'm going to be doing that much volume I feel like I can do better/faster work with products geared more towards boats.

Products I'm looking for:

1. Heavy compounds
2. Wool pads
3. Algae/mold removers

What do you guys recommend? Looking especially for advice from guys that detail a lot of boats but anything would be useful!

Thanks a lot!
 
You probably already know this Mark but for those reading this that don't, we have a marine detailing forum.

Marine31Online.com


As for a heavy cut compound, the Marine 31 heavy cut compound cuts fast and finishes out nice.


Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner

Marine31_Gel_Coat_Heavy_Cut_Oxidation_Cleaner_16oz.jpg


Say goodbye to dull, faded, chalky gel coat!
Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner is the solution for chalky, heavily oxidized gel coat surfaces – standard and painted. Advanced diminishing abrasives quickly remove oxidation while lubricating oils ensure a long buffing cycle and easy wipe off. Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner will restore the shine and luster to the most neglected boats.

Not all marine-specific compounds and oxidation removers are created equal! Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner was developed and fine-tuned right here in south Florida, one of the most popular states for boating enthusiasts. Florida is called the sunshine state for good reason, so it was imperative that Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner be easy to use, even in direct sunlight.

The secret to the immense leveling ability of Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner lies in its advanced abrasive technology. Marine 31 pioneered a gel coat specific diminishing abrasive that quickly and effortlessly removes heavy oxidation, scratches and chalkiness without scouring or hazing the finish. Years of neglect will disappear right before your eyes, revealing a glossy finish worthy of a brand-new boat.

Unlike a traditional heavy cut marine compound, Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner is exceptionally easy to use, even in humid climates. You’ll quickly appreciate its long buffing cycle and easy wipe off. Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner can be applied by hand, circular polisher or dual action orbital polisher.

Marine31_Gel_Coat_Heavy_Cut_Oxidation_Cleaner.jpg



Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner is harbor safe and eco-friendly.

Directions:

1.Shake well before using and ensure surface is cool to the touch.

2.Apply an “X” of product directly onto heavy cutting foam or wool pad and spread product over a 2’ by 2’ area.

3.Circular polisher: Set speed between 1200 and 1800 RPM. Random Orbital polisher: Set speed between 6000 and 7000 OPM.

4.Practice a slow arm movement while applying medium pressure. Work product until it starts to turn clear.

5.Remove residue with a clean, dry microfiber towel.

For best results, follow up with Marine 31 Gel Coat Gloss & Color Restorer to further refine the surface and maximize gloss.


On Marine 31.com

Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner - 16 oz.

Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner - 32 oz.


Made in USA

smile.gif
 
Thanks Mike! Might be time to take some Marine 31 stuff to a real world test.

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I did a 35 footer last season. Even though the boat was only 2 years old, it sat an entire year at the dealership outside.

I used orange pads with some yellow cutting pads and Marine 31 polish, and spray wax.

For lightly oxidized paint i used M105/205 with yellow/white pads and that worked great!

I had one issue with hard water marks on the side of the boat where the outlet is for the runoff. Nothing would remove it, but i used some CLR (per boat owner recommendation) and it came right off.
 
For heavy oxidation I use 3M Super Duty compound. That stuff is heavy heavy cut. Works great for severe oxidation removal.

I've never used the marine 31 products so I can't attest to those but 3M products work pretty well for marine.
 
Anyone ever tried the Duragloss Marine products?
 
^No, but I have used Meguiars boat products on my boat and it made the white pop brilliant white. Got rid of all the discoloration in it. I used Meguiars 44 to do it, and I just bought some more Meguiars 44 and Meguiars Flagship Boat Wax from AutoGeek, along with some more foam pads for my PC. Going to hit the boat next week hard for its pre-season detail!
 
No to the Duragloss here, i've only used the Marine 31 since it's sold on AG.
 
If you plan on doing lots of boats I would buy product by 5 gallons at a time. I like aqua buff 1000 and 2000. I never have to skimp on product. Paint it on buff it off. For dirty non skid and rust Bar Keepers Freind.I always spray Crab shell in all jambs cubbies after cleaning them. It's a real good mold inhibitor. I would also look into TSP for very oxidized hulls. The website Hulltruth has alot of good info on products. Anything related to boats double in price so do your research on products used in real world situations.
 
I use a three step process listed below for restoring the shine on gel coat. If the gel coat is really oxidize I'll use 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, #05954 with a wool pad. Follow that up with a good coat of wax either Collinite fiberglass boat wax#925, 3M Marine Ultra Performance Paste Wax or a wax of your choice. I've also used aqua buff products with great results. I just bought some marine 31 products to try out from AG.

6085 Quart - 5723 Foam Pad
6064 Quart - 5725 Foam Pad
6068 Quart - 5733 Foam Pad


 
Forgot to add I use magic erasers from the dollar store to remove mold and mildew from vinyl or if it's bad I'll use simple green with a soft brush. Then follow that up with 303 protectant. For cleaning carpet like in a bass boat I'll use half water half vinegar mixed up in a spray bottle. I'll spray that on and scrub with a brush the rinse the carpet out with running water, let air dry then vacuum.
 
Great advice everyone. Looks like I've got some decisions to make. Definitely want to have the right products in place with spring right around the corner.

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Are the steps to detail boats as intricate as they are for cars? I plan on only 2 steps for the fiberglass: mild polish and color restorer, and then wax/sealant. I wonder if I am missing any steps?
 
I've always just done heavy compound followed by polish or wax. Often the compound finishes so well you can go straight to LSP in my experience.

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I've always just done heavy compound followed by polish or wax. Often the compound finishes so well you can go straight to LSP in my experience.
Great, that has been my experience as well. Can't wait to go to town on it.

I'm going to polish the motor cowl to get rid of swirl marks too. Do you have any experience with that? I have Menz. PF2500 and Meguiars Ultimate Compound and Polishes that have some corrective ability, along with M105. What do you think? The motor is an outboard - 225 Mercury Optimax
 
Mark is correct, usually a heavy cut compound followed by a polish then wax is good enough. I used that three step process on a black gelcoat that was in bad shape. I restore boats in my spare time as a hobby so I'm not in the production mode. Usually a medium cut compound followed by a polish and wax will restore the motor cowling.
 
I used buff magic for a long time. Even when we had to sand the orange peel off of the entire side of the hulls on 30 to 50 ft boats. worked at sea ray boats for 9 years before going full time at detailing

Sparkle N Shine Detail
 
Mark is correct, usually a heavy cut compound followed by a polish then wax is good enough. I used that three step process on a black gelcoat that was in bad shape. I restore boats in my spare time as a hobby so I'm not in the production mode. Usually a medium cut compound followed by a polish and wax will restore the motor cowling.
Ok great! Thanks alot, I can't wait to make the cowling shine!
 
Here's some pictures of the motor and gel coat on my Ranger bass boat. The motor had bad water spots when I bought it from a marine dealer. So I used 3M 6064 with a 5725 Foam Pad, then 3M 6068 with a 5733 Foam Pad followed up with collinite boat wax #925.
 
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