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Author Topic:   Polisher-waxer

floater88 posted 05-28-2012 12:30 AM ET (US)
I'm looking for a four-inch to six-inch electric polisher-waxer for my Boston Whaler boat. I've tried and burned out two crappy Jobmates and would like a recommendation on a better model. I'm up here in Canada so should be able to get one here but not sure what brand to look for. Gonna use it for the top deck and dashboard areas on my Revenge. Thanks
macfam posted 05-28-2012 08:02 AM ET (US)
This has been recommended over and over:
http://www.portercable.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=21436
Chuck Tribolet posted 05-28-2012 10:24 AM ET (US)
The same basic [Porter-Cable] unit comes under several
different model numbers depending on what accessories come
with it (sanding stuff, polishing stuff, etc). Probably
cheapest off the web, but my Lowes carries it. Polishing
pads have to come off the web.
I went through three cheapies before getting the Porter-Cable.

Chuck
martyn1075 posted 05-28-2012 01:20 PM ET (US)
I have tried several from the crappy ones to the units the pros use normally referred to as Variable Speed Polisher. Personally I use what needs to be used for the job and quite often a simple 10 inch polisher $40 to 60 middle-of-the-line will do the work. However, depending on the gel coat [condition], they won't dig deep enough to bring out the shine again. In that case I will just save my money and rent the high cost variable polisher rather then buy one average $180 to $240 new plus the pads and accessories on top.
The variable has its place but quite often its overkill and once you have your showroom shine the basic polisher will work for years if waxed regularly.
There are a few companies that offer sort of a hybrid of the two which is called a dual action polisher such as the one recommended the Porter Cable they are a little more expensive close if not the same as the Variable speed models but they are good quality units that my be your best bet.
Just finished our boat and with the basic polisher but had to use the variable for the top windshield area because of heavy wax build up and normal oxidation over the years in that spot.
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/martyn1075/IMG_0157.jpg
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/martyn1075/IMG_0101.jpg
Martyn

contender posted 05-28-2012 03:05 PM ET (US)
Pay peanuts get monkeys...
lizard posted 05-29-2012 12:03 PM ET (US)
These 8" pads are used with the 6" Porter Cable unit. They work well and Coastal people were happy to answer questions. I have two of the Porter Cable 6" random orbital sanders, one for me, the second for a buddy. The work goes faster that way.
http://www.coastaltool.com/a/lakecountry/buffing_pads_8.htm
Binkster posted 05-29-2012 09:01 PM ET (US)
On a similar note, I've peeled the reg. numbers off my new to me 15 footer. The gelcoat is in great condition on the outside of the hull and only needs lite sanding and polishing. Thing is the reg numbers were mailbox numbers( reflective rectangles with printed numbers). Well, they came off easy enough with a heat gun, but I can't budge the glue, Lacquer thinner and acetone have no effect. Any ideas?
rich
lizard posted 05-29-2012 11:39 PM ET (US)
Contender- love that quote. I hate bargain hunting that it comes to the point of compromising the outcome. I love a deal, I despise cheap.
floater88 posted 05-30-2012 12:28 AM ET (US)
Thanks guys. Went looking around and found one at Rona for 179.00 plus tax! Ouch! Gonna keep looking and wait for a sale. Thanks
hauptjm posted 05-30-2012 12:35 PM ET (US)
Binkster,
Try softening the glue with a heat gun/blow dryer and removing with Acetone immediately after.
newt posted 05-30-2012 01:05 PM ET (US)
Also Binks, using a DULL razor blade, you may be able to scrape the glue off when warm or softened by solvent. I have found a dull blade wont dig into the gel coat, but still scrapes.
martyn1075 posted 05-30-2012 07:33 PM ET (US)
floater88 thats for the polisher only you will also need some pads etc. I was basing the price I quoted in Canadian because I'm from there as well. Might try Canadian Tire but I never see that model on sale. They always have that crappy variable model on sale that is weak version of the good brands. Thats why I rent, works well its cheap in comparison and you can use the everyday polisher until the boat needs more serious attention usually if done right several years.
Martyn
IGN posted 05-30-2012 10:28 PM ET (US)
Binkster, try 3M adheasive remover and a Plastic razor blade. Works everytime.
floater88 posted 05-31-2012 12:07 AM ET (US)
Thanks Martyn. I will look into renting one.
contender posted 05-31-2012 07:26 PM ET (US)
Bink: sometimes goof off or wd40, with elbow grease. Plastic razor blades are a plus when using the above chemicals...good luck
L H G posted 05-31-2012 09:14 PM ET (US)
Martyn - that is one beautiful Walkaround you've got. It's nice to see one of those rare boats in such fine condition, and outfitted so well.
martyn1075 posted 05-31-2012 09:39 PM ET (US)
Thanks Larry! the previous owner did a real number on it and I swore that when I took it over I would always keep it that way as long as I have my health. Its so much work and time as you know but I actually don't mind doing it. Then you get a mechanical problem thats when it hurts that or putting gas in it.
Jkcam posted 06-10-2012 10:25 AM ET (US)
Martyn
Beautiful!!
floater88 posted 06-15-2012 10:13 AM ET (US)
I've been looking into the Shurhold model 3100 offered at my marine store and it looks good. It's value pack comes with most of the stuff I think I need and is overall cheaper then the porter with everything included. Has anyone tried this unit out? Better than the Porter or i'm just wasting my money? Thanks
wannabe posted 06-15-2012 08:51 PM ET (US)
Due to time constraints I just had my boat buffed and polished by a company. Beleived or not they used buffers purchased at Harbor Freight for about $30. They would purchase the $10 protection plan and keep recycleing them as they didn't check serial numbers.
Shurhold is the same company that makes Yacht Brite buffing compounds that they used on my boat. They had one of their buffers for sale complete with pads. I failed to get a price for the unit.
Drew
martyn1075 posted 06-18-2012 11:11 AM ET (US)
I haven't used [the Shurhold model 3100] but I researched [the Shurhold model 3100] fairly hard. [The Shurhold model 3100 is] very close to the Porter in that it uses similar technology. [The Shurhold model 3100 is] variable speed BUT when its used it doesn't act like a typical variable speed unit most of the pros use. I liked [the Shurhold model 3100] because there is way less risk of burning the through the gelcoat and causing areas of unevenness. Meguiars makes the identical product, too, and they share the same technology. One might want to price war that one and double check to make sure they really are the same. If I was going to buy one, for the money spent I would go with one of those two. The Porter accessories are expensive imo but its a good product.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrse_DBaUbc&feature=player_embedded
andygere posted 06-19-2012 12:30 PM ET (US)
Martyn, ditto on LHG's comments on your boat, looks great! Can you post a link to your photo album with additional pictures? It would be a great Cetacea candidate, though that part of the site seems to be dormant these days.
martyn1075 posted 06-20-2012 12:44 AM ET (US)
Thanks Andy, I believe I do have some photos and video I just have to find the time to put it all together. Perhaps it is CW worthy not sure. It certainly is a interesting model that is salmon friendly of course! that is they are welcome aboard any time. It has a unique story attached to its history. I will try to post something soon.
Thanks
andygere posted 06-20-2012 11:30 AM ET (US)
Martyn, I'm looking forward to it. Your boat has long been one of my favorite Whaler models.

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Author	Topic: Polisher-waxer
floater88	posted 05-28-2012 12:30 AM ET (US) I'm looking for a four-inch to six-inch electric polisher-waxer for my Boston Whaler boat. I've tried and burned out two crappy Jobmates and would like a recommendation on a better model. I'm up here in Canada so should be able to get one here but not sure what brand to look for. Gonna use it for the top deck and dashboard areas on my Revenge. Thanks
macfam	posted 05-28-2012 08:02 AM ET (US) This has been recommended over and over: http://www.portercable.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=21436
Chuck Tribolet	posted 05-28-2012 10:24 AM ET (US) The same basic [Porter-Cable] unit comes under several different model numbers depending on what accessories come with it (sanding stuff, polishing stuff, etc). Probably cheapest off the web, but my Lowes carries it. Polishing pads have to come off the web. I went through three cheapies before getting the Porter-Cable. Chuck
martyn1075	posted 05-28-2012 01:20 PM ET (US) I have tried several from the crappy ones to the units the pros use normally referred to as Variable Speed Polisher. Personally I use what needs to be used for the job and quite often a simple 10 inch polisher $40 to 60 middle-of-the-line will do the work. However, depending on the gel coat [condition], they won't dig deep enough to bring out the shine again. In that case I will just save my money and rent the high cost variable polisher rather then buy one average $180 to $240 new plus the pads and accessories on top. The variable has its place but quite often its overkill and once you have your showroom shine the basic polisher will work for years if waxed regularly. There are a few companies that offer sort of a hybrid of the two which is called a dual action polisher such as the one recommended the Porter Cable they are a little more expensive close if not the same as the Variable speed models but they are good quality units that my be your best bet. Just finished our boat and with the basic polisher but had to use the variable for the top windshield area because of heavy wax build up and normal oxidation over the years in that spot. http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/martyn1075/IMG_0157.jpg http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/martyn1075/IMG_0101.jpg Martyn
contender	posted 05-28-2012 03:05 PM ET (US) Pay peanuts get monkeys...
lizard	posted 05-29-2012 12:03 PM ET (US) These 8" pads are used with the 6" Porter Cable unit. They work well and Coastal people were happy to answer questions. I have two of the Porter Cable 6" random orbital sanders, one for me, the second for a buddy. The work goes faster that way. http://www.coastaltool.com/a/lakecountry/buffing_pads_8.htm
Binkster	posted 05-29-2012 09:01 PM ET (US) On a similar note, I've peeled the reg. numbers off my new to me 15 footer. The gelcoat is in great condition on the outside of the hull and only needs lite sanding and polishing. Thing is the reg numbers were mailbox numbers( reflective rectangles with printed numbers). Well, they came off easy enough with a heat gun, but I can't budge the glue, Lacquer thinner and acetone have no effect. Any ideas? rich
lizard	posted 05-29-2012 11:39 PM ET (US) Contender- love that quote. I hate bargain hunting that it comes to the point of compromising the outcome. I love a deal, I despise cheap.
floater88	posted 05-30-2012 12:28 AM ET (US) Thanks guys. Went looking around and found one at Rona for 179.00 plus tax! Ouch! Gonna keep looking and wait for a sale. Thanks
hauptjm	posted 05-30-2012 12:35 PM ET (US) Binkster, Try softening the glue with a heat gun/blow dryer and removing with Acetone immediately after.
newt	posted 05-30-2012 01:05 PM ET (US) Also Binks, using a DULL razor blade, you may be able to scrape the glue off when warm or softened by solvent. I have found a dull blade wont dig into the gel coat, but still scrapes.
martyn1075	posted 05-30-2012 07:33 PM ET (US) floater88 thats for the polisher only you will also need some pads etc. I was basing the price I quoted in Canadian because I'm from there as well. Might try Canadian Tire but I never see that model on sale. They always have that crappy variable model on sale that is weak version of the good brands. Thats why I rent, works well its cheap in comparison and you can use the everyday polisher until the boat needs more serious attention usually if done right several years. Martyn
IGN	posted 05-30-2012 10:28 PM ET (US) Binkster, try 3M adheasive remover and a Plastic razor blade. Works everytime.
floater88	posted 05-31-2012 12:07 AM ET (US) Thanks Martyn. I will look into renting one.
contender	posted 05-31-2012 07:26 PM ET (US) Bink: sometimes goof off or wd40, with elbow grease. Plastic razor blades are a plus when using the above chemicals...good luck
L H G	posted 05-31-2012 09:14 PM ET (US) Martyn - that is one beautiful Walkaround you've got. It's nice to see one of those rare boats in such fine condition, and outfitted so well.
martyn1075	posted 05-31-2012 09:39 PM ET (US) Thanks Larry! the previous owner did a real number on it and I swore that when I took it over I would always keep it that way as long as I have my health. Its so much work and time as you know but I actually don't mind doing it. Then you get a mechanical problem thats when it hurts that or putting gas in it.
Jkcam	posted 06-10-2012 10:25 AM ET (US) Martyn Beautiful!!
floater88	posted 06-15-2012 10:13 AM ET (US) I've been looking into the Shurhold model 3100 offered at my marine store and it looks good. It's value pack comes with most of the stuff I think I need and is overall cheaper then the porter with everything included. Has anyone tried this unit out? Better than the Porter or i'm just wasting my money? Thanks
wannabe	posted 06-15-2012 08:51 PM ET (US) Due to time constraints I just had my boat buffed and polished by a company. Beleived or not they used buffers purchased at Harbor Freight for about $30. They would purchase the $10 protection plan and keep recycleing them as they didn't check serial numbers. Shurhold is the same company that makes Yacht Brite buffing compounds that they used on my boat. They had one of their buffers for sale complete with pads. I failed to get a price for the unit. Drew
martyn1075	posted 06-18-2012 11:11 AM ET (US) I haven't used [the Shurhold model 3100] but I researched [the Shurhold model 3100] fairly hard. [The Shurhold model 3100 is] very close to the Porter in that it uses similar technology. [The Shurhold model 3100 is] variable speed BUT when its used it doesn't act like a typical variable speed unit most of the pros use. I liked [the Shurhold model 3100] because there is way less risk of burning the through the gelcoat and causing areas of unevenness. Meguiars makes the identical product, too, and they share the same technology. One might want to price war that one and double check to make sure they really are the same. If I was going to buy one, for the money spent I would go with one of those two. The Porter accessories are expensive imo but its a good product. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrse_DBaUbc&feature=player_embedded
andygere	posted 06-19-2012 12:30 PM ET (US) Martyn, ditto on LHG's comments on your boat, looks great! Can you post a link to your photo album with additional pictures? It would be a great Cetacea candidate, though that part of the site seems to be dormant these days.
martyn1075	posted 06-20-2012 12:44 AM ET (US) Thanks Andy, I believe I do have some photos and video I just have to find the time to put it all together. Perhaps it is CW worthy not sure. It certainly is a interesting model that is salmon friendly of course! that is they are welcome aboard any time. It has a unique story attached to its history. I will try to post something soon. Thanks
andygere	posted 06-20-2012 11:30 AM ET (US) Martyn, I'm looking forward to it. Your boat has long been one of my favorite Whaler models.