Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
What's a good wax for the topsides and cockpit? I know putting wax on the topsides seems counter-intuitive. I don't want the top to be too slippery. I have a 1986 boat that I just pressure washed, so it's spotless. All the chalk is gone from the surface. The gel coat has become porous over the years and I want to seal it off before it gets dirty again. I've read where PoliSeal isn't good for topsides. I've tried teh search function, but I'm not getting any useful posts.
"Lady E" 1986 Catalina 25: Fin Keel, Standard Rig, Inboard M12 Diesel, Sail No. 5339 Sailing out of Norwalk Cove Marina, Connecticut
I clean my decks and cockpit with Star Brite Non-skid Deck Cleaner, which leaves a light film of PTEF (otherwise known as PTFE) that is briefly slippery, but not after it dries. It seems to keep chalking in check when used periodically (like twice a year here in CT). The container can be hard to hold onto when wet cleaner gets on the outside. My cabin sides aren't exactly shiny, but they're clean and bright. It's a boat after all--not a Ferrari. ...or it's a sailboat, not a Sea Ray. As Steve alludes, sailboats need workable decks--Sea Rays, neh!
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
For the deck which mostly has the non-skid surfaces, I utilize Starbrite Non-skid cleaner for similar reasons/details as Dave stated.
For the cockpit areas that are textured, I mostly use the Starbrite Non-skid cleaner. For the cockpit and companionway smooth surfaces, I initially use a polish wax or if need be, 3M Oxidation cleaner and wax. Then I use 3M Pure Wax. I find that I can usually get away with only having to apply the 3M Pure Wax if I re-apply timely, ~ every 2 months. In between, applications, I may wash the boat or use Starbrite Black Streak Cleaner now and then. Doing this for many years using primarily the Pure Wax, I only sparingly have a need to use the Oxidation cleaner/wax but tend to use the Polish/Wax more so....perhaps once a year over most cockpit surfaces. Using these products, I do not do significant buffing. I generally apply and buff clean by hand.
Well golly! Who’d a thunk it? Starbrite uses a UV protectant called PTEF, NOT Teflon — wikipedia on Teflon — in their deck cleaner. Learn something new every day.
Nonetheless, my boat slip neighbor is a cleaning machine. He owns an older model Northcoast stinkpot that just shines! His bow deck gelcoat literally has a high gloss. No shoes allowed!
Of course my other side neighbor is quite the opposite with his 20ft runabout.
I’m in the middle — I like a clean boat but I’m not fanatical about it.
That’s the great thing about boating - it takes all kinds.
Well golly! Who’d a thunk it? Starbrite uses a UV protectant called PTEF, NOT Teflon — wikipedia on Teflon — in their deck cleaner. Learn something new every day....
Ya, I've tried to determine the difference between polytetraethylflourine (PTEF) and polyptetraflouriethylene (PTFE), with no success. Sarbrite claims a registered trademark on "PTEF" while Teflon (PTFE) is a trademark of a spin-off from Dupont. The lack of information made me suspect Starbrite was just working around Dupont's trademark... Starbrite puts their version in all sorts of stuff including things they rebrand for West Marine. It's in their Premium Marine Polish, which is the best I've used on my hull so far. (They haven't paid me to say that... yet! )
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.