Waxing New Hull

[turbo87]

I have a new boat with a blue hull. Should I wax it? I have heard different opinions. Boat seller says I should. Guy who has a fleet of boats says it''s not necessary. Opinions?

[Yodagwb]

Wax it.

[RichH]

Absolutely, positively. If you dont wax, the gelcoat will more quickly oxidize, become porous and fail. Think of the day that you SELL the boat.... will you get more $ return with a well maintained shiney hull or one that looks like ****!
For best preservation also REMOVE the old dead wax once yearly with a strong caustic detergent, then re-wax.

After about 2-3 years, get a high speed auto body shop power buffer and some lambswool bonnets, 3M super fine compound and buff-out the hull lightly once overy two years (forget orbital buffers - worthless).
Which wax? ... I like Collinte Fleetwax - lasts about 6 months, easy to remove when it goes - dead.

[jparker11]

Bill,

Since I will probably never have the honor to commission a NEW vessel, I would really appreciate it if you would wax that boat at least once a year for me!!! If you read the fine print of most production boats, they are still using iso gelcoats and are susceptible to UV degradation (read oxidation). A lot of the good wax contain some amounts of UV inhibitors.

If you wax it yearly for me, chances are, my shoulders won''t hurt near as much when it is my turn.<g> I know around the 48 parallel where I sail, I would not have to compound a yearly waxed hull for a dozen years or more!!

It seems I have heard some boat production companies are sending the boats out the door with LP paint, I can''t remember which one? If you have one of these, no wax would be the course of action here.

By the way, tell us about your new boat!!

[turbo87]

Thanks for the input. I will definitely be waxing.

The boat is a Dehler 34. Fun, fast, and well built. Definitely a racer-cruiser, not a cruiser-racer, with enough sail controls to adjust trim to your hearts content.

Bill