Not yet, gonna do it on my back deck, I just can't get that part shiny. Gonna wash it real good, wipe it down with acetone, hit it with 3M marine rubbing compound, then a couple coats of 3M marine wax. If that doesn't do it, nothing will.

Chris also uses the 3M stuff.

The acetone will make it simple. Afterwards a good fresh water rinse will leave it ready for a good wax. Your done.

It's awesome stuff.

Clay bar kit from Meguiars will help get it super clean and any embedded particles out.

Bass Boat Saver to clean it, then Bow To Stern for polish...

I use vinegar and water to clean. Then use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the tough stuff. Then wax.

+1 Clay Magic from Autozone or Pep Boys is a good one. Don't get the Mothers brand, it is too soft.

Dish soap and the clay bar is the safest & best.....
Scub it good, twice if needed.

Remember it is a boat and we put them in some nasty stuff.....perfectly clean was gone the day we bought em'.

Have never used wax on my boat and it is shiney as can be. and its a 99

Besides protecting your boats finish and keeping oxidation at bay, a good coating of wax will help to reduce the ammount of water drag/resistance from hole to pad.

If it is real bad you might want to think about wet sanding it with 1200 or 1000 grit, then the 3M and then polish. That should make it nice and shiny, now that is assuming you still have enough clear coat on the boat to do this process.

Acetone does NOT eat up gelcoat or fiberglass.
ye who wrote this needs to do more research about acetone.


Acetone can dull the shine on the gelcoat if left on too long so I would use a milder cleaner like Dawn dishwashing liquid or Simple Green to wash the boat prior to the clay bar and polishing.

Acetone will turn Lexan a milky white color so you have to be careful with its use around certain plastics.

Dawn is really good stuff. Just do not use it after you wax.

Dishwashing liquids are fine for washing prior to waxing but they are to harsh for a waxed boat...they strip off the wax prematurely causing your hard work waxing to not last nearly as long. Liquid car/boat washes are not as harsh on the already waxed finish. BBS is the best for cleaning and making that wax job last! If your finish is just real dirty use a strong detergent. If your finish is oxidized or "hazy" looking then +1 on the LIGHT buffing and/or sanding with FINE grit sandpaper or (preferable) a fine buffing compound, rinsed well, then followed by wax. Your effort will show!

Terry Brown @ Browns Boat repair repaired my boat and gave me a can of Meguiars Mirror Glaze 50, One Step Cleaner/Wax, this stuff goes on fast and comes off the same way! I use it 4 times a year as well as wipe the boat down when I take it out of the water.