Best Marine & Boat Wax, How To Clean A Boat
There are very few reasons a person may look forward to winter. However, what you may not be considering is the simple fact that wintertime means it is a great time to get ready for summer fun, especially if you are a boat owner who loves spending time on the water. It does take some effort to winterize your boat, but it goes a long way in ensuring it is ready for fun during the summer. Did you know that you can take it one step further with the best marine wax available?
Jump To> Best Marine Wax
Why Use Marine Wax?
Most newer boats have a high gloss shine on them. This gloss is provided by a type of resin that is commonly referred to as a gelcoat. This gel coating is put into the boat’s molding when it is being manufactured so that it maintains its’ shine. In itself, it is not an important part of the structure of a boat, but it does protect the boat’s hull. The problem is that as time goes by and the sun beats down on your boat, plus the constant wetness, this gel can erode. When it does your boat may end up looking very dull and perhaps a little chalky.
There is good news, though is that If your boat is looking a little dull, you can often bring the shine back to it with a little bit of marine wax. You do have to be prepared for a little bit of extra effort, which is why many prefer to handle it while they are winterizing their boat or soon afterward.
How to Wax a Boat?
The first thing you will need to do before you wax is you will want to thoroughly clean your boat. If you are not sure how to clean your boat, you can wash it the same as you would wash your vehicle. You only need a bucket of water, a sponge, and some detergent. You may also use fiberglass cleaner or bleach if you have stains or mildew. You will need to work at it and ensure that it is grease free before you begin waxing.
To apply and use the wax, you will need a cloth or a foam pad. You put it on by rubbing in a circular motion and let it dry until your boat has a dull haze. Buff off the residue with another soft cloth that is dry. If your boat is very dull, you may have to do it a time or two to reach full glossiness.
If you are wondering how often you should wax, the answer is that you can choose how often. Waxing is a personal preference for most people and it can be done as you feel necessary. Professionals will tell you that it is something that should be done at least twice a year to ensure optimal shine.
What Makes a Good Wax?
You will also need to know how to polish a boat in a circular motion. Keep in mind when trying to find the best boat wax its’ ingredients. You do not want a wax that is too harsh. With that in mind, if your boat has a lot of oxidation and it is extremely dull, you may have to start out with something harsher and then tone it down as the boat’s overall look becomes better.
Is It Different from Car Wax?
When looking for the best boat wax for fiberglass boats, you may be a little shocked by the price and wonder if you can cut corners. The answer, according to most is, “No”. Marine wax often has ingredients that protect the gelcoat. They may also have other protectants in them that will ensure that UV rays are blocked. To give you an idea of the types of wax available for a boat, you should look at the following reviews.
Meguiar’s M6332 – Most Popular
Most people consider this to be the best wax for boats. It enriches color and shine, protects from UV damage and normal wear, removes oxidation, and agreed, a great product for your boat if you want to keep it looking great.
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This is an all-in-one boat cleaner. It protects the finish while bringing out the high gloss you want for your boat. It also protects against harmful UV rays and the damage that it can cause.
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The best thing about this polish is that it has PTEF included. This means that it repels water and oily stains so that your future cleanings are easier to handle. It prevents oxidation and fading while it provides ultimate shine.
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Meguiar’s M5616 Carnauba Blend
This pure wax is designed to give an extremely bright, glossy finish, especially when used on dark colors or clear-coated metal flake finishes. It can be used on all polished surfaces and fiberglass. Best of all, it protects against UV damage and more.
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Though this is not a wax, it could still be the best boat cleaner available. It does not leave a greasy residue, and it can keep the surface looking new. It also prevents fading and restores lost color. There are UV blockers inside of it as well.
