Wax Only Or Polish and Wax

[macsfriended]

A new '08 hull (gelcoat ) that was a dealer left over and mostly stored inside. I purchased in Sept 2009 and stored it inside during midwest winter. Future winters will also have inside storage for this boat.

Finese and two coats of Collinite Fleet Wax were applied in the spring 2010. In season, the boat is in a covered slip and on a lift when not in use. Hull does look good and feel good.

Soooo, given the lack of direct exposure to natural elements, will pre-season and mid-season waxing (only) provide high apperance and protection; or, will stripping wax and applying new polish prior to future waxing be recommended??

Please advise

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Wax Only Or Polish and Wax

Wax protects the gelcoat. It makes it easier to keep clean and helps prevent chalking.

The guy next to me has a 2003 Formula with a black hull. He stores it inside for the winters. He has never polished or rubbed it. He waxes it twice a year. It looks showroom new.

I would only use polishing compound (or rubbing compound) if the gelcoat starts to chalk.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Wax Only Or Polish and Wax

Wax lasts about six months inside or out. Think of it as a sacrificial barrier to the elements. It will save you much polishing time later.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Wax Only Or Polish and Wax

I use Collinte as well. I get a full season (9-10 months) out of it with the boat left uncovered on a lift. The second year, if there isn't to much dirt in the wax, I'll just apply another coat come Spring. If there is too much dirt in the wax, I use Collinite cleaner, then apply my two new coats of wax.

This Spring I went with the Collinite insulator wax. I still have another 4 months to go but it's still looks good and beads water like I applied it last week. Only time will tell how well it holds up over time.