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Author Topic:   Why Wax ?

sapple posted 09-12-2008 05:36 PM ET (US)
I have a new Whaler. Just ending the first season, I have not yet waxed it.
What is the benefit of waxing? Does it need to be done to preserve the hull or is it only a matter of looking nice?
David Pendleton posted 09-12-2008 06:44 PM ET (US)
Both.
Ask anyone who has seen my 10-year-old Conquest and they will back me up on this.
TransAm posted 09-12-2008 07:42 PM ET (US)
Did you read this?
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/016785.html
Right now, it's 3 posts below yours in this forum.
sapple posted 09-13-2008 08:24 AM ET (US)
I saw it but it did not really answer my question:
Will waxing preserve the hull or is it only for appearance?
Also, from my past experience, I get better response by starting a new post as opposed to asking a question within a already established post.
My impression from the other post is that waxing is only for appearance and not really necessary. According to some opinions, it could actually be detrimental.
glen e posted 09-13-2008 08:30 AM ET (US)
not waxing results in your gelcoat looking like crap, being completley exposed to the elelemtns and deteriorating much fasted than a protected surface and attracting dirt nuch faster - end of story - are you kidding "why wax"?? - what does your car look like?
some type of surface maintenence should be done every 6 months...
glen e posted 09-13-2008 08:39 AM ET (US)
I think I might understand your comment so it's not so ???....if you are speaking of the wetted surface of the hull, you are correct, you should not wax and just keep that surface devoid of slime, barnicles and the like. Reason: the wax washes off quickly and actually slows the boat a bit - no idea why but that's the info I have when I ask the pros about it...
every other part of the boat should be waxed/sealed...
Whalerdog posted 09-13-2008 08:47 AM ET (US)
wax on the bottom makes it slower from cohesion
Whalerdog posted 09-13-2008 08:50 AM ET (US)
ever see what UV rays due to things outside?
jimh posted 09-13-2008 09:04 AM ET (US)
When a boat's topsides have a good coat of wax, the cleaning of the boat is much easier. Most of the time a spray of freshwater will rinse and remove most dirt. You don't have to use detergents or solvents to remove dirt. This is closed-loop cycle, too. If the hull does not have a good coat of wax, you have to use soaps or detergents to remove the dirt. The soap or detergent removes the wax, too. Using soap or detergent leads to less wax, which leads to using more soap and detergents, which leads to less wax, which leads to more soap...you get the idea. If you maintain the wax, you use less soap, which maintains the wax, which means less soap is needed.
Chuck Tribolet posted 09-13-2008 08:19 PM ET (US)
Wax it.
Mine gets waxed once a year, only sees soap just before it
gets waxed, and it gets wet in salt water about
70 days a year. Waxing is a deep cleaning, and puts a
protective layer on the gel coat. DO IT.
Which wax to use is a religious argument. I use NuFinish
liquid car wax (orange bottle, any decent auto parts store)
applied with a Porter-Cable random orbital polisher.
Note, my boat is garaged when it's not on the water, so if
your boat isn't garaged, you may need to wax a couple of times
a year.

Chuck
seabob4 posted 09-13-2008 08:31 PM ET (US)
Carnuba wax. Makes whatever is underneath it happy.
BlueMax posted 09-13-2008 08:51 PM ET (US)
I've read arguments for and against waxing below the waterline; Questions:
1) On a 170 Montauk, should I just wax the top and down the sides?
2) Auto wax or "Marine" wax and is there really a difference other than price?
3) How do you get the dried wax out of a 2007 170 Montauk's non-skid pattern?
4) I have a 1650 psi pressure washer with multiple nozzzles - (I would not use "pin point) - yes or no?
5) If you do not wax below the waterline, should you seal, or leave it alone?
6) If your boat is on a trailer, how do you get the bottom? (My boat is only 1 year old and I've only rinsed and/or washed it with fresh water and Turtle Wax car wash after use - rinsed if I planned to go back out the next day, washed if it would be at least two days or more before going back on the water (or if we came back "scummy") - my current thinking is that I can get underneath the boat while on the trailer using my mechanic's "creeper" (I have it parked on a cement driveway), does this makes sense or is there an easier way?
I plan to wax or do something at the end of this season as it would be 2 years on the water for the vessel, suggestions are duly considered and very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Max
glen e posted 09-13-2008 09:39 PM ET (US)
wetted hull surfaces should be as clean as possible but no need for wax...
Lars Simonsen posted 09-13-2008 09:54 PM ET (US)
I've had my 1998 Dauntless for 8 years. It's a garage kept boat, and it has seen a lot of use. I do take good care of it, but, I never wax the hull. I'm sure it would look slightly nicer if I did, but being that its stored out of the sun and weather, it doesn't really need it. I'll probably wax it before I try to sell it, but I have no plans to sell anytime soon.
Waxing is important if the boat is stored outside (for preservation), but of negligible benefit (i.e. just making it look nice) if stored inside, in my opinion.
TransAm posted 09-13-2008 10:23 PM ET (US)
I believe an un-treated hull will tend to dry out over time whether garage kept or left outside under cover. I'm not sure why anyone would spend a big pile of dough on a Whaler and then not wax, or otherwise treat it. Takes me only a couple of hours by myself to do my 25 footer. No brainer.
erik selis posted 09-14-2008 08:04 AM ET (US)
It looks like there are different opinions about waxing. I can only add my own opinion to this discussion. I always wax my boat every spring with Starbrite Wax containing Teflon. It makes a huge difference when cleaning the boat during the year. Much easier getting off the dirt or anything that sticks to the hull. I also wax under the waterline, contrary to what the professionals may say. Where I go boating the water contains quite a bit of peat. This will make brownish stains on the hull that are very difficult to remove without using acidic cleaners. Waxing the hull with this type of wax reduces the need for using these acidic cleaners drastically. If I see brownish spots that I can't remove with regular soap then I use the acidic hull cleaner and put on another coat of wax. I have done this for 6 years now and my boat looks showroom. The bottom feels as smooth as a babies behind so I don't understand how there could be more drag from waxing the bottom. Whatever anyone says I will still keep waxing my boot except for the anti-slip.
Erik
erik selis posted 09-14-2008 08:06 AM ET (US)
..."Whatever anyone says I will still keep waxing my boot except for the anti-slip"...
Oops, this should read boat instead of boot :-)
Erik
macfam posted 09-14-2008 10:07 AM ET (US)
Along with my Whaler, I have a 28' Albin with a flag blue hull. These dark hulls are subject to fading, and tough to maintain. Why? The SUN!
The UV and other waves deteriorate EVERYTHING on earth, including Boston Whalers.
Some waxes are better than others, but they act a sunscreen to protect from the damaging rays.
This year, I experimented with the new 3M Scotchguard boat wax with UV inhibitors. Absolutley fantastic results in warding off any oxidation/fading. The best I've ever used.
And it's also easy to use....and smells like tropical fruit sunscreen.
Dare I say: Even better than Collinite which I have used religiously for years. (Still do on my cars)
So waxing makes a better appearance, easier to clean, and protects surfaces from the damaging rays of the sun.
It's the best in preventative maintenance.
davej14 posted 09-14-2008 05:58 PM ET (US)
My hul is 8 years old and looks like new. I also use Starbrite Marine Wax with teflon. It is easy to apply and most importantly, very easy to buff out by hand. I wax only once per year in the fall. First give it a good wash then wax before winter storage. I do all the smooth surfaces, even below the waterline where I can reach while on the trailer. If there is credible evidence that wax on the bottom makes a significant difference in speed on a planing hull I would like to see it. Note, I am saying "significant" which to me would be more than .25 mph at WOT.
Blackduck posted 09-15-2008 10:57 AM ET (US)
Keeping your hull waxed is, without doubt, the best thing you can do for your boat. I would equate it with changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles.
SC Joe posted 09-15-2008 11:40 AM ET (US)
Whaler recomends the #26 Meguiars yellow paste wax, which seem s hard to find any more. It works well, and last a long time. I happened to have some in laying around my garage--i'm not sure where you can actually buy the stuff anymore.
But, I too am sold on Collonite fiberglass boat wax, but there is another non wax called Rejex that will bead water for literally months, and seem to work just as well. I use both.

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Author	Topic: Why Wax ?
sapple	posted 09-12-2008 05:36 PM ET (US) I have a new Whaler. Just ending the first season, I have not yet waxed it. What is the benefit of waxing? Does it need to be done to preserve the hull or is it only a matter of looking nice?
David Pendleton	posted 09-12-2008 06:44 PM ET (US) Both. Ask anyone who has seen my 10-year-old Conquest and they will back me up on this.
TransAm	posted 09-12-2008 07:42 PM ET (US) Did you read this? http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/016785.html Right now, it's 3 posts below yours in this forum.
sapple	posted 09-13-2008 08:24 AM ET (US) I saw it but it did not really answer my question: Will waxing preserve the hull or is it only for appearance? Also, from my past experience, I get better response by starting a new post as opposed to asking a question within a already established post. My impression from the other post is that waxing is only for appearance and not really necessary. According to some opinions, it could actually be detrimental.
glen e	posted 09-13-2008 08:30 AM ET (US) not waxing results in your gelcoat looking like crap, being completley exposed to the elelemtns and deteriorating much fasted than a protected surface and attracting dirt nuch faster - end of story - are you kidding "why wax"?? - what does your car look like? some type of surface maintenence should be done every 6 months...
glen e	posted 09-13-2008 08:39 AM ET (US) I think I might understand your comment so it's not so ???....if you are speaking of the wetted surface of the hull, you are correct, you should not wax and just keep that surface devoid of slime, barnicles and the like. Reason: the wax washes off quickly and actually slows the boat a bit - no idea why but that's the info I have when I ask the pros about it... every other part of the boat should be waxed/sealed...
Whalerdog	posted 09-13-2008 08:47 AM ET (US) wax on the bottom makes it slower from cohesion
Whalerdog	posted 09-13-2008 08:50 AM ET (US) ever see what UV rays due to things outside?
jimh	posted 09-13-2008 09:04 AM ET (US) When a boat's topsides have a good coat of wax, the cleaning of the boat is much easier. Most of the time a spray of freshwater will rinse and remove most dirt. You don't have to use detergents or solvents to remove dirt. This is closed-loop cycle, too. If the hull does not have a good coat of wax, you have to use soaps or detergents to remove the dirt. The soap or detergent removes the wax, too. Using soap or detergent leads to less wax, which leads to using more soap and detergents, which leads to less wax, which leads to more soap...you get the idea. If you maintain the wax, you use less soap, which maintains the wax, which means less soap is needed.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 09-13-2008 08:19 PM ET (US) Wax it. Mine gets waxed once a year, only sees soap just before it gets waxed, and it gets wet in salt water about 70 days a year. Waxing is a deep cleaning, and puts a protective layer on the gel coat. DO IT. Which wax to use is a religious argument. I use NuFinish liquid car wax (orange bottle, any decent auto parts store) applied with a Porter-Cable random orbital polisher. Note, my boat is garaged when it's not on the water, so if your boat isn't garaged, you may need to wax a couple of times a year. Chuck
seabob4	posted 09-13-2008 08:31 PM ET (US) Carnuba wax. Makes whatever is underneath it happy.
BlueMax	posted 09-13-2008 08:51 PM ET (US) I've read arguments for and against waxing below the waterline; Questions: 1) On a 170 Montauk, should I just wax the top and down the sides? 2) Auto wax or "Marine" wax and is there really a difference other than price? 3) How do you get the dried wax out of a 2007 170 Montauk's non-skid pattern? 4) I have a 1650 psi pressure washer with multiple nozzzles - (I would not use "pin point) - yes or no? 5) If you do not wax below the waterline, should you seal, or leave it alone? 6) If your boat is on a trailer, how do you get the bottom? (My boat is only 1 year old and I've only rinsed and/or washed it with fresh water and Turtle Wax car wash after use - rinsed if I planned to go back out the next day, washed if it would be at least two days or more before going back on the water (or if we came back "scummy") - my current thinking is that I can get underneath the boat while on the trailer using my mechanic's "creeper" (I have it parked on a cement driveway), does this makes sense or is there an easier way? I plan to wax or do something at the end of this season as it would be 2 years on the water for the vessel, suggestions are duly considered and very much appreciated. Thanks, Max
glen e	posted 09-13-2008 09:39 PM ET (US) wetted hull surfaces should be as clean as possible but no need for wax...
Lars Simonsen	posted 09-13-2008 09:54 PM ET (US) I've had my 1998 Dauntless for 8 years. It's a garage kept boat, and it has seen a lot of use. I do take good care of it, but, I never wax the hull. I'm sure it would look slightly nicer if I did, but being that its stored out of the sun and weather, it doesn't really need it. I'll probably wax it before I try to sell it, but I have no plans to sell anytime soon. Waxing is important if the boat is stored outside (for preservation), but of negligible benefit (i.e. just making it look nice) if stored inside, in my opinion.
TransAm	posted 09-13-2008 10:23 PM ET (US) I believe an un-treated hull will tend to dry out over time whether garage kept or left outside under cover. I'm not sure why anyone would spend a big pile of dough on a Whaler and then not wax, or otherwise treat it. Takes me only a couple of hours by myself to do my 25 footer. No brainer.
erik selis	posted 09-14-2008 08:04 AM ET (US) It looks like there are different opinions about waxing. I can only add my own opinion to this discussion. I always wax my boat every spring with Starbrite Wax containing Teflon. It makes a huge difference when cleaning the boat during the year. Much easier getting off the dirt or anything that sticks to the hull. I also wax under the waterline, contrary to what the professionals may say. Where I go boating the water contains quite a bit of peat. This will make brownish stains on the hull that are very difficult to remove without using acidic cleaners. Waxing the hull with this type of wax reduces the need for using these acidic cleaners drastically. If I see brownish spots that I can't remove with regular soap then I use the acidic hull cleaner and put on another coat of wax. I have done this for 6 years now and my boat looks showroom. The bottom feels as smooth as a babies behind so I don't understand how there could be more drag from waxing the bottom. Whatever anyone says I will still keep waxing my boot except for the anti-slip. Erik
erik selis	posted 09-14-2008 08:06 AM ET (US) ..."Whatever anyone says I will still keep waxing my boot except for the anti-slip"... Oops, this should read boat instead of boot :-) Erik
macfam	posted 09-14-2008 10:07 AM ET (US) Along with my Whaler, I have a 28' Albin with a flag blue hull. These dark hulls are subject to fading, and tough to maintain. Why? The SUN! The UV and other waves deteriorate EVERYTHING on earth, including Boston Whalers. Some waxes are better than others, but they act a sunscreen to protect from the damaging rays. This year, I experimented with the new 3M Scotchguard boat wax with UV inhibitors. Absolutley fantastic results in warding off any oxidation/fading. The best I've ever used. And it's also easy to use....and smells like tropical fruit sunscreen. Dare I say: Even better than Collinite which I have used religiously for years. (Still do on my cars) So waxing makes a better appearance, easier to clean, and protects surfaces from the damaging rays of the sun. It's the best in preventative maintenance.
davej14	posted 09-14-2008 05:58 PM ET (US) My hul is 8 years old and looks like new. I also use Starbrite Marine Wax with teflon. It is easy to apply and most importantly, very easy to buff out by hand. I wax only once per year in the fall. First give it a good wash then wax before winter storage. I do all the smooth surfaces, even below the waterline where I can reach while on the trailer. If there is credible evidence that wax on the bottom makes a significant difference in speed on a planing hull I would like to see it. Note, I am saying "significant" which to me would be more than .25 mph at WOT.
Blackduck	posted 09-15-2008 10:57 AM ET (US) Keeping your hull waxed is, without doubt, the best thing you can do for your boat. I would equate it with changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles.
SC Joe	posted 09-15-2008 11:40 AM ET (US) Whaler recomends the #26 Meguiars yellow paste wax, which seem s hard to find any more. It works well, and last a long time. I happened to have some in laying around my garage--i'm not sure where you can actually buy the stuff anymore. But, I too am sold on Collonite fiberglass boat wax, but there is another non wax called Rejex that will bead water for literally months, and seem to work just as well. I use both.