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Electric Buffers

3K views 21 replies 7 participants last post by  scottbr 
#1 ·
I need to wax a 45 sailboat so Im in the market for a buffer . One that I can do the hull and deck with. Any thoughts on that and on compounds/waxes greatly appreciated. Boat is in South Florida and in water all year. Thanks.
 
#2 · (Edited)
As for buffers... look HERE.

For the deck, at least the non-skid portions, use Woody Wax. For the hull, the 3M Cleaner & Wax is pretty good if your boat needs some TLC, but if it is in pretty good shape, you can try Meguairs... or if you want something that takes a bit less work, try the West Marine wax that did pretty well in PS tests IIRC. More waxes here.
 
#3 ·
This year I reconditioned all exterior topsides fiberglass on my 20 year old boat. The surface was oxidixed and dull and needed some serious compounding.

In order of use, utilizing my Makita angle polisher, buffer, with two grades of wool bonnets, I started with:


The 3M compound created an amazing shine - next step, using a finer bonnet:


A wet shine resulted from this step, literally a mirror finish I could see myself in. The final step was to hand apply Colonite wax - buffing with microfiber cloths:


Purchase the buffer and these three products, follow label directions and wait for the endless compliments from your dockmates.
 
#4 ·
Hi Doug,
In the past I've had really good luck with all season Tres wax, using a makita grinder polisher with a lambs wool cover. If you do use the makita machine take care to keep it moving so not to burn the surface(gelcoat?). I don't
know if you need to buff, but for gelcoats, in my opinion you can't beat the 3m
system followed by aquabuff 2000. We have used aquabuff for years with great success in the yard and for tooling.
 
#5 ·
Awesome - Thank you all !
Trueblue & Sailingdog - any comments on the 3M Performance Paste Wax? Too much effort for finished product?
Zogumwesterly & Sailingdog- I will try the Makita as i just bought the 7" makita grinder to take the bottom paint down to the gel coat - ugh. Seems a hefty tool for buffing though. Ill also check out angle polisher recommended. Thanks again.
 
#6 ·
Haven't tried the 3M wax you mentioned. I do like the Collinite wax that TB mentions. :) And glad to help.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I used the 3M wax, applied by hand and buffed with the microfibre clothes by hand after using the Meguairs equivalent to Finesse-it ( Collinette and Finesse-it came highly recommended on another sailing forum). The Finesse-it was applied with a DeWalt 9" polisher and lambswool bonnet. If you have oxidation then you will need the compound as the first step.
 
#11 ·


Waxmaster is junk

Whatever you do don't waste your $$ on this piece of junk sold at Worst Marine like I did, so far I have returned two fo them, probably another after spring cleaning. The Makita tool suggested already is more versatile and built to last. I second the Woody Wax for the Non skid.



The Woody Wax Boat Soap has been doing well for me this year, in conjunction with the Woody Wax, bird doo comes off with little or no staining.



For waxing I have had great results with Collinite products,
http://www.collinitemarine.com/products.htm#920


I go with the 920 first then the 885
 
#12 ·
T37Chef-

Cheap tools are usually more expensive in the longer run... :)
 
#21 ·
ROFLMAO.... you are a twisted individual... :) I like it...
 
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