Gel Coat Wax

winniekid · 02-14-2006, 04:13 PM

I'm a first time boat owner and need to put a coat of wax on my gel coat boat. What products do you recommend...carnuba or special gel coat product?

Mee-n-Mac · 02-14-2006, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winniekid

I'm a first time boat owner and need to put a coat of wax on my gel coat boat. What products do you recommend...carnuba or special gel coat product?

Just make sure it's boat wax and not car wax. If you use an electric buffer to apply, be very careful as it's easy to get carried away and scuff up the gelcoat. Other than that I can't say I've noticed much difference btw the brands. Last year I used some that had some Teflon or silicone or ?? in it, seemed to go on easy and shine well.

Skip · 02-14-2006, 05:20 PM

I have had excellent results with Meguiars (the Mirror Glaze people) Flagship brand marine wax. Easy to apply and gives an excellent shine.

If your boat is new, then you shouldn't have to buff it, a hand applied wax like Flagship will work very well.

Waxes are like wives (or husbands), you'll find everyone has their own personal preference!

Anyways, I have attached a link to Meguiars website. They have many excellent resources contained in it for both boats, cars, motorcycles, etc.

You can order products direct from them, but any good marine store carries their products....

Ahhhh, thoughts of washing & waxing the boat....almost makes me forget about that new snowmobile of mine gathering dust in the garage!

Meguiars

Now, if you want to really get in to the science of proper boat care, here is a much more exotic site. I have ordered some of their high end products for my truck & car....and some of the motorcycle products for a friend. The company (used to be Classic) is now Proper Auto Care....they ship fast, reasonably priced & great customer service, plus they have a vast selection of products from beginner stuff to pro detailing supplies;

Proper Auto Care

Have a blast,

Skip

pm203 · 02-14-2006, 05:39 PM

You might want to try Collonite. It,s a little more work ,but well worth it.

Resident 2B · 02-14-2006, 06:30 PM

Skip,

Thanks for the very informative post. Both web sites are great!

Only two months to launch day!!

R2B

Silver Duck · 02-14-2006, 07:11 PM

I'll second Skip's recommendation concerning Meguiar's Flagship!

Years ago, I used to use the Classic wax products, and thought very highly of them; but, I don't know how they would be for marine use.

Silver Duck

winniekid · 02-14-2006, 07:32 PM

Skip,

Thanks so much for those sites they were very informative. I can't wait for summer!!!!

Rinkerfam · 02-14-2006, 11:27 PM

I have to chime in here and agree that Meguiar's is the only way to go. They have products for all needs and in my opinion produce results second to none.

Captn'J · 02-15-2006, 10:54 AM

Guys, I have also used Meguairs Flagship and other products, they work
great. But try Yacht Brite Serious Shine and Professional Polish, works / lasts better.

gtxrider · 02-15-2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Duck

I'll second Skip's recommendation concerning Meguiar's Flagship!

Years ago, I used to use the Classic wax products, and thought very highly of them; but, I don't know how they would be for marine use.

Silver Duck

Classic used to have a fiber glass/boat wax it was good but being a paste it took lots of elbow grease.

Get a good name brand wax and work work in the shade.

sum-r breeze · 02-15-2006, 11:25 PM

Mac,

Do you remember what the name of the wax was with the teflon in it? Someone else I talked to at our marina swears by it. I think it was a Meguire's product also. We're over by the airport in Gilford and get alot of soot from all the Jet Fuel/Aviation Gas in the air. It makes for alot of black streaks where the rain water drains off the boat. I remember him telling me the teflon in the wax makes it easy to just wipe off the black.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, The Breeze
Make sure to wave, because I'll be waving back

Evenstar · 02-15-2006, 11:40 PM

Many paddlers that I know who have fiberglass or composite boats say that Star Brite with Teflon is the best thing that you can use on this type of boat. That might be what you want.

Mee-n-Mac · 02-16-2006, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sum-r breeze

Mac,

Do you remember what the name of the wax was with the teflon in it? Someone else I talked to at our marina swears by it. I think it was a Meguire's product also. We're over by the airport in Gilford and get alot of soot from all the Jet Fuel/Aviation Gas in the air. It makes for alot of black streaks where the rain water drains off the boat. I remember him telling me the teflon in the wax makes it easy to just wipe off the black.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, The Breeze
Make sure to wave, because I'll be waving back

I just don't remember but I got it a Gillan Marine. Perhaps I brought it home from the camp and it's stored in the utility room. I'll check and post back if I find it. That all said I think there are many waxes with the equivalent teflon formulation.

spotsink · 02-16-2006, 05:45 AM

Last season I used "Star Brite" brand marine wax with Teflon. I got it at West Marine and so maybe paid more than I should have... it is a liquid wax, goes on easy and seemed to last well through the summer. We get a lot of bird and bug stains where our boat is kept but plain water and a soft brush were usually enough to clean things up.

Island Girl · 02-16-2006, 06:59 AM

.. and then of course there are the Island Girl (no relation) products.

http://www.islandgirlproducts.com/

I have no idea on the quality... just liked the name!

BroadHopper · 02-16-2006, 09:58 PM

I have a black gel coat and the boat is 20 years old. I've been using the Cullinite products for years. The first 10 years it was a boat house boat. The past 10 years it is stored in a barn on a trailer. A few years ago I switched to The Star Brite Premium with teflon. I find it last longer and cleans easier than Cullinite.
Lately, I've been using Finesse II polish to renew the shine and to remove the glazing from the gel coat. Then I use the wax. It works great for me!
West Marine seems to have the best prices.

upthesaukee · 02-16-2006, 10:43 PM

Ah yes, and a nice website complete with a picture of Island Girl before she got her hair cut.

Island Girl · 02-17-2006, 07:38 AM

... I wish!

Cobalt 25 · 02-17-2006, 10:17 AM

I have learned much about maintaining boats (and a LOT of other stuff) at BoaterEd.com. If you go to the "Detailing" forum, you can observe what's already there or post your own question.

Collinite has always been my choice, but I was interested to read that Broadhopper switched to Star Brite.

Peter

WT-RXT · 03-26-2006, 05:48 PM

Wax is great for boats, but probably the best thing for your gel-coat and any other plastic is a product called "303 Aerospace Protectant".

The biggest threat to any plastic, rubber, or fiberglass is the harmful UV rays from the sun. This product actually inhibits the effects of the UV rays, much more effective that wax!

Check out their web site, type in "303 aerospace protectant" in your search engine and you will get the link.

It's not cheap but it's worth it!

Paugus Bay Resident · 03-27-2006, 07:11 AM

I love 303, use it on all vinyl, etc. You can buy it at Parafunalia. Never tried it on the gel coat though.

I too use Meguiar's Flagship.

islander10 · 03-27-2006, 09:23 AM

Try Klasse all in one. Expensive but good.

02-14-2006, 05:20 PM	#3
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	Meguiars Flagship Marine waxes I have had excellent results with Meguiars (the Mirror Glaze people) Flagship brand marine wax. Easy to apply and gives an excellent shine. If your boat is new, then you shouldn't have to buff it, a hand applied wax like Flagship will work very well. Waxes are like wives (or husbands), you'll find everyone has their own personal preference! Anyways, I have attached a link to Meguiars website. They have many excellent resources contained in it for both boats, cars, motorcycles, etc. You can order products direct from them, but any good marine store carries their products.... Ahhhh, thoughts of washing & waxing the boat....almost makes me forget about that new snowmobile of mine gathering dust in the garage! Meguiars Now, if you want to really get in to the science of proper boat care, here is a much more exotic site. I have ordered some of their high end products for my truck & car....and some of the motorcycle products for a friend. The company (used to be Classic) is now Proper Auto Care....they ship fast, reasonably priced & great customer service, plus they have a vast selection of products from beginner stuff to pro detailing supplies; Proper Auto Care Have a blast, Skip Last edited by Skip; 02-14-2006 at 05:57 PM.

02-14-2006, 06:30 PM	#5
Resident 2B Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Shore, MA Posts: 1,357 Thanks: 994 Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts	Great Advice Skip, Thanks for the very informative post. Both web sites are great! Only two months to launch day!! R2B

02-14-2006, 07:32 PM	#7
winniekid Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	excellent sites Skip, Thanks so much for those sites they were very informative. I can't wait for summer!!!!

02-14-2006, 11:27 PM	#8
Rinkerfam Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 268 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	I have to chime in here and agree that Meguiar's is the only way to go. They have products for all needs and in my opinion produce results second to none. __________________ Education is hanging around 'til you've caught on - Frost

02-15-2006, 10:54 AM	#9
Captn'J Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Barrington, Rhode Island Posts: 18 Thanks: 9 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Meguairs Wax. Guys, I have also used Meguairs Flagship and other products, they work great. But try Yacht Brite Serious Shine and Professional Polish, works / lasts better.

02-14-2006, 04:13 PM	#1
winniekid Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm a first time boat owner and need to put a coat of wax on my gel coat boat. What products do you recommend...carnuba or special gel coat product?

02-14-2006, 05:39 PM	#4
pm203 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 225 Thanks: 41 Thanked 86 Times in 46 Posts	You might want to try Collonite. It,s a little more work ,but well worth it.

02-14-2006, 07:11 PM	#6
Silver Duck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 364 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I'll second Skip's recommendation concerning Meguiar's Flagship! Years ago, I used to use the Classic wax products, and thought very highly of them; but, I don't know how they would be for marine use. Silver Duck

02-15-2006, 11:25 PM	#11
sum-r breeze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Burlington Ma / Laconia NH Posts: 396 Thanks: 155 Thanked 201 Times in 97 Posts	Mac What about the teflon? Mac, Do you remember what the name of the wax was with the teflon in it? Someone else I talked to at our marina swears by it. I think it was a Meguire's product also. We're over by the airport in Gilford and get alot of soot from all the Jet Fuel/Aviation Gas in the air. It makes for alot of black streaks where the rain water drains off the boat. I remember him telling me the teflon in the wax makes it easy to just wipe off the black. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, The Breeze Make sure to wave, because I'll be waving back

02-15-2006, 11:40 PM	#12
Evenstar Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Littleton, NH Posts: 382 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Star Brite Many paddlers that I know who have fiberglass or composite boats say that Star Brite with Teflon is the best thing that you can use on this type of boat. That might be what you want. __________________ "Boaters love boats . . . Kayakers love water."

02-16-2006, 05:45 AM	#14
spotsink Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 76 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wax with teflon... Last season I used "Star Brite" brand marine wax with Teflon. I got it at West Marine and so maybe paid more than I should have... it is a liquid wax, goes on easy and seemed to last well through the summer. We get a lot of bird and bug stains where our boat is kept but plain water and a soft brush were usually enough to clean things up.

02-16-2006, 06:59 AM	#15
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,352 Thanks: 18 Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts	Island Girl .. and then of course there are the Island Girl (no relation) products. http://www.islandgirlproducts.com/ I have no idea on the quality... just liked the name! __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

02-16-2006, 09:58 PM	#16
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,576 Thanks: 3,216 Thanked 1,103 Times in 794 Posts	Gel coat wax. I have a black gel coat and the boat is 20 years old. I've been using the Cullinite products for years. The first 10 years it was a boat house boat. The past 10 years it is stored in a barn on a trailer. A few years ago I switched to The Star Brite Premium with teflon. I find it last longer and cleans easier than Cullinite. Lately, I've been using Finesse II polish to renew the shine and to remove the glazing from the gel coat. Then I use the wax. It works great for me! West Marine seems to have the best prices. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

02-16-2006, 10:43 PM	#17
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,599 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,459 Thanked 1,981 Times in 1,082 Posts	Nice Picture IG Ah yes, and a nice website complete with a picture of Island Girl before she got her hair cut. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

02-17-2006, 07:38 AM	#18
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,352 Thanks: 18 Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts	Picture of IG ... I wish! __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

02-17-2006, 10:17 AM	#19
Cobalt 25 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 217 Thanks: 227 Thanked 36 Times in 20 Posts	boat detailing site I have learned much about maintaining boats (and a LOT of other stuff) at BoaterEd.com. If you go to the "Detailing" forum, you can observe what's already there or post your own question. Collinite has always been my choice, but I was interested to read that Broadhopper switched to Star Brite. Peter

03-26-2006, 05:48 PM	#20
WT-RXT Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The Best Product For Gel Coat Wax is great for boats, but probably the best thing for your gel-coat and any other plastic is a product called "303 Aerospace Protectant". The biggest threat to any plastic, rubber, or fiberglass is the harmful UV rays from the sun. This product actually inhibits the effects of the UV rays, much more effective that wax! Check out their web site, type in "303 aerospace protectant" in your search engine and you will get the link. It's not cheap but it's worth it!

03-27-2006, 07:11 AM	#21
Paugus Bay Resident Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Gilmanton, NH Posts: 754 Thanks: 136 Thanked 93 Times in 51 Posts	I love 303, use it on all vinyl, etc. You can buy it at Parafunalia. Never tried it on the gel coat though. I too use Meguiar's Flagship.

03-27-2006, 09:23 AM	#22
islander10 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sleepers/Florida Posts: 17 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Try Klasse all in one. Expensive but good.