The Easy Way to a Perfect, Long-Lasting Boat Shine
Download Files: USA : Word PDF | International : PDF
The single best way to protect a vessel’s hull and deck is to wax it. Shurhold Industries, the global leader in boat care and maintenance products, offers simple tips for creating a perfect, long-lasting shine— without the sore muscles and long hours the task is known for.
As a boat’s hull and deck are exposed to sunlight and UV rays, oxidation occurs, leaving the surface porous. Salt and dirt get trapped in paint and gel coat, creating a faded, chalky appearance. Traditional wax works for a while but is only a thin shell layer that’s quickly weathered away. A polymer alternative, such as Shuhold’s Pro Polish, makes a chemical bond with the finish, filling in the pores to leave a harder, longer- lasting shine.
The key to saving time and labor during this process is to use a quality polisher. Dual action models have oscillating heads that eliminate swirl marks and potential burning. Multiple ergonomic handles allow users to move the tool to avoid repetitive motion and to get into tight areas.
It’s a good idea to wear eye protection; sunglasses are perfect. Remove belts that may scratch and jewelry that could get caught in the polisher.
Start by adding three dollops of the polymer wax to the outer edge of the polisher pad. It’s highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Place the pad on the boat surface. Only then turn the machine on. This will avoid slinging the product and make a mess. Work on a slower speed in 2′ sections. Use an overlapping grid pattern: up-and-down, then left-and-right. Continue until a haze develops, leaving the machine touching the surface when it’s turned off.
Take a clean microfiber towel or polisher bonnet, and buff the surface using the same pattern as before. When smudges and leftover wax are gone, a mirror-like finish will remain, proof of a job well done. A video of the process is at bit.ly/2tkTuKB.
Multiple coats aren’t necessary. Somewhat like sunscreen, a single coat of polymer is sufficient. In the southern states, most owners wax their boats 3–4 times a year. In the north, twice a year is common, at the beginning and end of the season.
Shurhold’s Dual Action Polisher has a price of $279; a 16 oz. bottle of Pro Polish is $22.98.
Dedicated to educating boat owners, Shurhold provides key tips for boat value preservation at www.shurhold.com. Inventor of the One Handle Does It All system, Shurhold manufactures specialty care items and accessories to clean, polish and detail.
Contact Shurhold, 3119 SW 42nd Ave., Palm City, FL 34990. 800-962-6241; Fax: 772-286-9620. www.shurhold.com.