Which wax/polish do you recommend?

[iaff_l20]

Hello all,
I have an '02 bowrider I bought late last August. I paid to have it winterized and am just about to finally get out this season for the first time. I wanted to wax it to protect it for the summer, but did not know which was the best choice for my boat's protection and the environment.
The boat does not have any visible oxidation on it as it was stored in the marina "warehouse" by the previous owner. Any thoughts/comments would be greatly appreciated.
Also, what should I do to de-winterize? I have a 350 mag I/O that the mechanic filled with RV antifreeze or its equivalent, I think. Do I need to do anything besides rehooking batteries, putting on the ears/hose and running it until the antifreeze clears?
This is my first boat but I have boated for years with friends...just never owned. I think the old way might have been better!! LOL.

ThanksAgain! Oh yeah, my boat is used in TN, fresh water only.

[iaff_l20]

Did not realize I could have searched for the answers to some my questions. Sorry. I will try that. But I am also curious as to what product to use between waxings/polishes. Is there a spray product that i can just use like window cleaner? Spray and wipe. Thanks again!

[Bob_VT]

Welcome to iboats.

Yup just make sure everything is tight, oil level correct, fresh gas.... give it the old once over (but do it twice), check all your safety gear.... extra drain plug, pfd's etc.....

iboats store sells a variety of waxes and 3m makes a fair selection of marine products too.

[Big Keepers]

I love the 3M products. They make a real good wax with a wonderful tropical scent, usually comes packaged with a light rubbing compound which you probably won't need just yet.

[Action]

I would agree, 3M does make a nice wax for marine use. I also picked up a bottle of Meguiar's Premium Marine Wax this year and left a very nice shine.

[Wassachu]

I watch Ship Shape TV. It's a show on TV that covers boat maintenance. On a resent show they recommended using a polish rather then a wax. A polish fills the pours in the gelcoat where a wax just covers them. And yes, 3M is an excellent product. 3M Marine Finesse-It Finishing Material, I was told it's a polish, contains no wax, is great stuff but pricey. My Father-in-law, a boat owner for years, swears by StarBrite Marine Polish. He puts it on once a year, short season here in Maine. It goes on easy and his old boat looks great.

[dingbat]

Collinite Fleetwax

Paste Fleetwax (No. 885)
For Marine & Aeronautical Finishes. Developed especially to seal and shield against acid rain, sun, salt spray, bugs and other environmental acids. Easily applied and non-abrasive, wax will prevent finish deterioration and the adhesion of foreign elements.

It has been listed as the #1 rated boat wax three times by two of the industry's most respected consumer journals.

[Polar_Bus]

A good friend of mine that details boats recommended Collinite's No. 925 boat wax, after using it on my 10 year old neglected hull, I was amazed at the deep shine ! I highly recommend the wax, but be ready it's a bit pricey..

[iaff_l20]

Thanks guys.
I was unable to find that Collinite locally. Is it only available online? I settled on the Meguiar's Flagship Premium Marine Wax (recommended by the clerk at the boat store). Any comments on this or past experiences is welcomed. Of course I needed this yesterday so I can do it this weekend, so kind of had to take what was available..store offered no 3m products. Also, I use NuFinish (orange bottle) on my truck with excellent results and considered it for the boat, but saw that no one mentioned it. Thoughts?
Thanks again.

[dingbat]

Most good boat stores around here carry it. West Marine stocks it as well.

Don't know at NuFinish. Around here Rejax is pretty popular wih the no-wax crowd.

[dontask]

If your are not trying to remove any oxidation try Starbrite's marine polish with Teflon. Worked great for me.