Wax for hull

[Decatur]

Have hull out of the water for Winter.   I know that this subject has been discussed before.  But, what is a good wax seal coat that can be applied during the off season and buffed out with an electric buffer.  Any suggestions?  Hey educate me on this subject.  Sail in fresh water only.  Regards  Tim

[kickingbug1]

    i used this stuff from home depot----forget the name but its polish for fiberglass tubs and showers. it comes in a pink can with a small screw lid----has purple lettering if that helps. point is it works great

[sailen69]

Decatur,

I am sure there are many things out there that people like.  I have used Megiars #56.  I put it on with a buffer and hand rub off.  It is light and easy to take off.  If you find one you really like, let us know.

I have to point out that Steve's wax has a lot in common with his shirt:  Pink and purple letters.

Rich

[Decatur]

Thanks Rich for your comment.   Best Regards  Tim from the Land of Lincoln!

[capt_nemo]

"Collinite No.885 Heavy Duty Paste, Fleetwax", a Marine and Aeronautical Wax. Available in West Marine and other Boat Supply Stores. Have used it for years on both small and large boats, sail and power.

However, strongly recommend you CLEAN and POLISH the hull before applying a good quality wax. Various polishes out there will do the trick. For light oxidation try 3M Finesse-It II Glaze. For heavier oxidation a Rubbing Compound step will be required BEFORE POLISHING & then WAXING.

Waxing provides a protective barrier coat to the nicely cleaned and polished (shiny mirror-like) surface. Don't expect to work miracles in just one step. That said, if you find a one-step product that provides miraculous results, do share the discovery with us.

capt_nemo

[Decatur]

Captain Nemo   Thank you so must for the information...!     The hull and deck on my CP-16 are in excellent condition now.  I want to keep it that way.  The "Collinite No. 885 Heavy Duty Paste", Fleetwax.  Is it applied with a wet sponge or dry cotton cloth?  Let dry...then buffed out?  Think that multiple coats of wax are the answer. Two coats are good, Three, perhaps even four coats are Best. It will be something for me too do this Winter. 

Additional Winter project:  Bimini Top,  for 1981 Com-Pac 16.  I've looked at the Bimini Top in Robert Burgess's "Handbook of Trailer Sailing".  First,  I will go to just about any length to not drill holes into the deck or hull of my yacht.  Has anyone built the bimini top in Burgess's book?  If so, are you satisfied with it?  What would be the cost of materials and time and difficulty of construction?  Simple is good for me.  I like simple straight forward construction projects.  Can Bimini top be made with out drilling holes onto/into top deck?  Simple, sturdy, functional is what I want in a Bimini.    Regards to All!  Tim From the Land of Lincoln

[Bob23]

Tim:
   Looking back through my records I see you have not paid the standard membership fee of $5000.00, payable in cash to me. But, with Christmas around the corner, I'm feeling charitable so here's the deal: All of the moderators boats need waxing. You need the practice. At the CLR 2016, you will have the privilege of waxing all of our boats. I know, you are feeling overwhelmed with joy! Understandable. Of course, you'll pay for all hauling and launching costs as well as the cost of the wax. I can supply old t-shirts as my contribution.  We really thank you for joining us here at CPYOA!   You're a swell guy!!!!
Bob32

[capt_nemo]

Collinite Paste Wax is best applied with a small damp sponge following directions on the can. When dried to a "haze", you can either remove the excess with a cloth (terry or microfiber) and then buff out with an electric buffer, or use the buffer alone. Use of the cloth first prevents the buffer pad from filling up too fast with excess wax. And, yes, I recommend application of a second coat after the first is well dried (12-24 hours).

capt_nemo

[Chickee]

I'm new here.  I've also been a West Marine manager for over 20 years now and have tried ALL of the product that West sells.  The best by far is Collinite 885.  Capt Nemo is right on.  Use a damp cloth to apply.  The directions used to say that but somewhere along the way it was omitted.   Don't keep the damp cloth in the can, trust me, my can rusted on the inside and I was afaid to use it for fear of scratching the surface. I'm also reminded of a test Practical Sailor did on 60 waxes and their findings had Collinits 885 as the winner and 3M paste as a runner up.  The test was over a year long and was an interesting Read.
If you want to do yourself a favor, clean your car's windshield and then wax with Collinite.  You'll never use rain-x again.
Good luck whatever your choice.

[Decatur]

Collinite 885 it is!!!   Only the best for my 16 foot yacht.  At least 3 coats, with a forth one add for good measure.  That should get me thru the 2016 sail season.   Hey... Has anyone out there sailed to Cuba yet?  I'd love to smoke a few large Churchill Cigars and drink some black Cuban coffee, perhaps a bit of rum too?  I'd like to hear from anyone that's made the trip or thinking of going Summer of 2016.  Bye from the flat prairies of Illinois  Tim

[kickingbug1]

   just a reminder tim, the next clr will be the last full week of july. a trip worth taking.