"ZINK" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 25 Mar 2006 01:54:43 GMT, "Maxprop" wrote:


"ZINK" wrote in message
. ..
Okay, it's time for the annual rants. Assuming that wax is for bowling
alleys
and mustaches, what are the best products for cleaning, de-oxidizing,
restoring
and protecting fiberglass topsides

Since topsides are that part of the hull that is exposed above the water
line but below the sheer, wax or polymer coatings are fine. I assume,
however, that you've mistakenly referred to such structures as the coach
roof and other deck zones as "topsides," and those areas require somewhat
different care.

and decks. I expect that most will have
different solutions for decks than they do for topsides. Lets hear it
all,
but
include as much detail as possible. This is not looking for simple
"votes". I
want to hear the WHY in each response.

I don't wax nonskid or even the parts of the deck that aren't non-skid. I
simply clean them well and allow them to dry. If they are oxidized, some
very mild polishing compound, such as Starbrite's Fiberglass Color
Restorer,
will polish the gelcoat sufficiently to make it look presentable, but of
course it will re-oxidize with time and sun.

Coachroof sides can be waxed, but even that's probably not a good idea.
If
you wish to avoid further oxidation, apply some wax or polymer sealant,
but
walk carefully when near those sides. They will be slippery when wet.

Max


You have misjudged, Maxpropeller. I fully know the difference between
topsides
and deck. That's why I specifically mentioned both. I would like to assume
that
in a newsgroup with the name "alt.sailing.asa" basic nomenclature would
not be
an issue.

Meanwhile, there are many products on the market that are aimed
specifically at
coating and protecting nonskid and decks that are not slippery when either
wet
or dry.

Are there any folks out there who have boats and experience that can do
better
than poor "Maxprop"?

Thank you

You sound a bit too defensive to be credible, Z. But I'll grant you the
benefit of the doubt and presume you know the difference. Sadly most
"sailors" are clueless, referring to anything above the sheerline as "the
topsides."

My boat is Awlgripped, so I use US Paint's products. However, I've used a
variety of products on gelcoat over the decades. One I particularly like
for removing oxidation is Yachtbrite's Buff Magic, a mild polishing compound
with *no* abrasive, but a very definite polishing action. I don't know how
it works, but it does, and very nicely when used with a polishing wheel.
I've also used 3M's Finessit with good results, but like the Yachtbrite Buff
Magic better for several reasons: it is a paste, not a liquid, and it
doesn't seem remove gelcoat as aggressively as the Finessit does.

Following a good single buffing and removal of the residue, I like Collinite
Fleetwax paste for long-lasting shine and protection. More recently,
however, I tried Meguiar's Tech Wax on a friend's boat with amazing results.
After a day in the sun, the topsides looked like new gelcoat. And the boat
still looked great 6 months later. I may try this stuff on my Alwgrip, if I
can determine it's chemical makeup. It's a car polish/sealant, and I use it
on my vehicles, but I suspect it might find its way into the offshore
go-fast boat crowd, who always seem to be looking for something to make
their boats shinier.

Hope that help.

Poor "Maxprop"