When I got my old beater, A 2-spd buffer was recommended by the marina
where I got it ... very chalky ... or there were detailing people that
would do the work for about $1200. The thing is, all the fittings/rails
need to be removed, as well as the old vinyl striping and so on. I
thought what the heck, I'll just use one of those handy dandy
polishers. Well, I didn't get more than maybe a few feet down the hull
before that polisher burnt out. My experience ... for that first
rubbing compond work, remove all the fittings etc, if you're lucky the
striping will be old and dry and can be gently scraped off, and get
yourself a 2-spd buffer ... they're usually on sale 1/2 price
somewhere. Sure, I only got a one time use out of the buffer. Oh yeah,
if you have any aluminum like I do associated with the rub rails (?), I
suggest rub the area close to that by hand else the buffer picks up the
oxidation from the aluminum ... result ... grey rubbing compound :-(