How to Buff and Wax a Boat

Trevor demonstrates how to properly buff and wax a boat on a heavily oxidized 52' Sea Ray with colored hullsides.

[@JamesFreeman1]

Wet sand or not, you have to remove all the oxidation. You talk about multiple passes with a buffer to get the results you want, well you and I both know you are stripping gel coat on every pass. You also have to make sure you keep cleaning out your pad with every pass. Wet sanding strips all the dead off BEFORE you start buffing, and gets you MUCH BETTER end results. I'm sure the customer will be happy with this, but because it wasn't done right all the way, you'll never be able to seal it up right and the oxidation will keep coming back faster, causing you to keep having to use aggressive compounds every couple years, and keep stripping the gel coat. You and I can see the swirls and dull spots left in that spot you did. Do it right the first time and you won't have to keep re-doing it. Wet sand it. You DO have to wet sand it to get the best possible, longest lasting results, that will remove more gel coat today but save so much in the long run.

[@rawdronefree1978]

Thanks James, can you give more details on the wet sanding? Any good video tutorials for that? What grit etc... ? Thanks !

[@LandoLeavesLand]

HEY GUYS , I will be doing this to my boat, so I looked up all the parts, etc. used in this video …. Some of the names have changed a little, but, through my investigating, here is the updated list (click 'Read more' below) : Compounds : - Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Hard Cut) (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/2WfpwTY - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/2GQc9nM Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Used with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Good Luck ! And check out my KZbin sailing channel if you are board someday ! - Lando Leaves Land

[@djstatyk1540]

Menzerna 400 heavy cut is some good shit, i tell ya

[@LandoLeavesLand]

@@djstatyk1540 right on. Ya, the Menzerna worked great.

[@lisalarson7985]

Thank you!! Finally someone answered the repeating question and listed the products and the tools😁 Your awesome!

[@oldwillie313]

You have the very best buffing video on you tube. Clearly you understand how the products are intended to work. Based on the comments below specifically Dankung, people don't understand how diminishing compound is intended to work. You use it correctly by applying the compound to the entire surface. If the compound is just put on the pad, the grit has already broken down as you move to unpolished areas. You know what you are doing. Many of the other youtube are misleading

[@SuperJhutch123]

Great video. Can you list the products used including the buffer pads with model numbers . Thank you

[@LandoLeavesLand]

Some of the names have changed a little, but, through my investigating, here is the updated list : Compounds : - Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/2WfpwTY - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/2GQc9nM Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Good Luck !

[@lionellbradford3684]

Product List?

[@LandoLeavesLand]

Some of the names have changed a bit, but here is an updated list. KZbin doesn't allow linking a lot, so just copy and paste the links if need be. - Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/3agEvEO - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Buffers / Pads : Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/3kFffgv Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Good Luck !!! Hope I was able to help save you some time searching for all of this. After I was done with mine, it was beautiful. Couldn't believe the difference. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small bit from qualifying purchases, you pay the same as always. Not a penny more.

[@sailorjohn2224]

Thumbs down. Wash boat with marykate to remove hard water, buff with 3m pink, then finese then try different brands of polish, some work better than others had a shelf full ---did it for a living! I used mequiars on my personal boat.

[@curt5253]

who polishes is direct sun ?

[@TheDesertSailor]

you should put the names of all the products in the description....

[@LandoLeavesLand]

Here ya go... I did this and looked up all the products... some of the names changed, but I found the new names. Good Luck ! Compounds : - Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/2WfpwTY - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/2GQc9nM Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh

[@rawdronefree1978]

Updated: - Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/3agEvEO - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Buffers / Pads : Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/3kFffgv Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Good Luck !!! Hope I was able to help save you some time searching for all of this. After I was done with mine, it was beautiful. Couldn't believe the difference. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small bit from qualifying purchases, you pay the same as always. Not a penny more.

[@rokbrigade]

Is Maguire"s Pure Wax, just as good as the Flagship wax that you use? If not, what do you usually use the pure wax for? a Also, great video!!!! It's helped me a lot on my 1984 Sea Ray Sundancer.

[@hypurnova]

I've used the Meguiar's one step compound and it works well. The stuff in a blue bottle. My gelcoat oxidation was so bad it was almost white instead of its its teal color. Took all the oxidation out and gave it a really nice shine. I'd give this a try if your looking for a good compound.

[@stankardas500]

I can't find the Reel Shine compound. Anyone know where to get it? Thanks.

[@rawdronefree1978]

If the Reel Shine is out of stock you can use this (also works great) : amzn.to/30OZX0t

[@harrisongilbert5534]

I am detailing a mastercraft x1 tomorrow (which is a detail that doesn't matter for this) and I am doing some preliminary research. Found your video and in 20 min learned what I expect will be at least 75% of what I need to know. The reason I am commenting is that you are absolutely hilarious. This video probably won't win an oscar, but somehow you made a 20 minute video about cleaning a boat pretty entertaining. Not everyone can do that. Thanks for the help and well done sir!

[@Firstmateyachtcare]

+Harrison Gilbert Thanks for the kind words. We will hold out hope for an Oscan. #leohadtowait

[@tokyobosco]

What a great video. I only wish I could have seen how the whole boat came out.

[@naziklerffeter3058]

I think I do better. First the Makita is better than the DeWalt but the 3M buffer is best. 2nd, just use a 3 dollar brush to apply compound 3rd squirt water so it doesnt dry, never ever buff hot gel coat with dry compound and start with 1800rpm and bring up to 3500. The machine should take off all the compound.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Do you ever wash the boat after compounding so there's no grit left over to get in the wax?

[@stormcerj]

Is that Andrew Luck?

[@joshuatetley]

This should not be construed as negative, but people learning from this video also have to understand what a scratch/blemish is and need to look at their boats and understand what is a problem and what isn't i.e a gel/paint coat when newly applied only has so many microns of depth . Each scratch creates a channel that is lower than the top coat, therefore you need to decide before you polish your boat whether you want to try and recreate the original flat uniform surface it should have had when purchased as new. The reason I mention this is because if you do want this, depending on the depth you may compromise the integrity of the whole gel/paint coat just to try and buff out a deep scratch. There are too many people/companies claiming they are specialist boat polishers when their only ability is to use hard compounds and create a so called shiny surface to the uninitiated (I am not suggesting this company are, it is a caveat to this video). A true polisher should tell you the limitations of the remaining hull gel or paint and the ramifications of each process. In layman's terms if the boat starts with a hypothetical ten layers of gel/paint, one scratch may go through two layers one through seven, do you choose to lower to seven, thus leaving only three remaining and in a shorter time have an expensive adhoc process. There have been so many advances in technology over the years enhancing the life span of boats, someone whose first instinct is to use a cutting compound should be able to explain the rational through a series of test patches low impact first.

[@billandpech]

Thank, you taught me something!

[@dinopaliska8872]

1200 ON A DA THEN COMPOUND WAX IS MOST FAST

[@bengarber9253]

This is how it is done! Excellent example of the steps needed to properly detail a boat.

[@frandanco6289]

Dude, Real Boat Detailers put the compound on the PAD... What are you doing??? Wow!!!

[@K1ngN1ghtCrawler]

might look shinny, but does not look good. TOO MUCH swirl marks from the whool pad.

[@vitob5754]

Hi. I got a 2003 Regal Commodore 2465 all white.It's 25 feet long. It did seat on sun for 2-3 years and there is no more shine. I cleaned it with pressure washer and now it's super clean! To get it buffed by someone professional the way you did, how much approximately does it cost? Thank you!

[@gwaynehillis4399]

Can you give us a list of the products used

[@rawdronefree1978]

- Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/3agEvEO - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Buffers / Pads : Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/3kFffgv Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Good Luck !!! Hope I was able to help save you some time searching for all of this. After I was done with mine, it was beautiful. Couldn't believe the difference. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small bit from qualifying purchases, you pay the same as always. Not a penny more.

[@michaelmccoy6831]

Doesn't the repaired/re-surfaced area stick out like a sore thumb -- and wouldn't the rest of the hull be in line for the same treatment?

[@talk2hubba]

Can we get list or link to product used?

[@LandoLeavesLand]

I looked up all the parts etc used in this video …. Some of the names have changed a little, but, through my investigating, here is the updated list : Compounds : - Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/2WfpwTY - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/2GQc9nM Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Good Luck !

[@mobiledetail4you]

Many ways to skin a cat as they say... dark colors definitely require more passes and product than light colors. Overall good results.

[@Local_Boydidgood]

He's always positive, and he's right. 👍

[@crawfordmediacompany1249]

you should become an amazon affiliate and post the links to your part numbers in the description. When we click through those links and buy then you get a commission. A win for everyone!

[@jmsfabrication7821]

I thought you weren't suppose to polish in direct sunlight?

[@NeverEnoughPyro40]

Sometimes you have no choice when working within the schedule of hoisting a 52' yacht out of the water, drydock time and so on!

[@sentryconstructionllc5594]

Try some Collonite and you'll never buy any other wax bullshit ever again!

[@bobcutlip9448]

What is the model/description of that buffer and the pads again? Nice video!

[@rawdronefree1978]

Buffers / Pads : Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/3kFffgv Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Wool Compounding Pads I used : amzn.to/2PO3LsA I used / use these buffers and they are great... I love anything from Dewalt especially. Will last a LONG time. Good Luck !!! Hope I was able to help. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small bit from qualifying purchases, you pay the same as always. Not a penny more.

[@Kimchiboy08]

Part number for GHETTO TAPE?

[@oarfish12]

What brand is that "Restructure" cutting coumpound he is showing at the beginning?

[@wilg4654]

how much would you charge for a 52 boat like this i have a person that wants me to do this job please let me know thanks 🙏

[@nicks2994]

Around $35ft

[@robgibson5696]

What do you do with the non skid part of boat when polishing areas that are smooth beside it and the non skid needs work

[@timleng4404]

The best buffer ever made is Black & Decker Automotive Heavy Duty Type 2 2300 RPM. No direct sun. No Velcro pad. As you can see the uneven cut/ polish from the velcro pad.

[@danielbarnes8694]

Blah blah can’t understand a fucking word this guy is saying

[@jamessund5370]

Never do that kind of shit in the sun .less u wanna ruin someones shit. Real slick there 😂

[@MrDragyn]

Nice video. Learned a lot, thanks! Neglected my Sea Ray for the past couple years. Thankfully it's white gel coat so Oxidation didn't show too bad (at least to according to my wife) but it was driving me NUTS. With these tips I'm going to knock it out and get that thing back to a mirror finish!One question, to avoid having to cut the oxidation and really work to bring back the shine, how often should I wax the boat? Should I polish also with a light compound before waxing every time or would regular waxing stop me from having to do all the extra work? I live in a desert area of SE Washington State. High UV/Sun exposure.

[@FirstMateYC]

Drayn509 We would recommend every 6-8 weeks depending on the weather. If you are on a regular wash schedule, you should be able to notice when the water stops beading up and the boat starts to dry before you can chamois it dry.

[@FirstMateYC]

Drayn509 As long as you stay on top of the waxing, you should be able to go 2 seasons without buffing. If you keep up on it, only a light buff will be required then.

[@neilmcauley7750]

Hehe, great vid!! I was actually wondering the part no. for the sunnies... ;) Seriously though, I've got a regal 1900 that has been kept 12 years in freshwater, & is now in a saltwater marina, & her underside needs some SERIOUS attention... I've been advised that toilet-bowl cleaner will remove the layer of gunk that has changed her hull colour from white to green-brown... Once that's sorted, I'll be following this for how to get the shine back on her. tyvm

[@franckfavre841]

hello holograms !! No uniform work, your machine run to fast

[@Frindleeguy]

it's gelcoat idiot.

[@iamgriff]

nice work man! can you recommend anyone in metro Detroit for my boat?

[@andrewf8450]

Awesome tips! The gel coat on my 93 Centurion had been severely neglected before I bought it. Looks exactly like that. I have been scratching my head to find the products and techniques to repair it get that shine back. Look forward to doing it this spring. Thanks!

[@sharonlavergne2229]

T

[@theoracle3747]

@@sharonlavergne2229 What?

[@fstarockaburns425]

$129 for 2 quarts very affordable? what am i missing here.. tx for the vid tho - just one product for the whole job? great vid man - looks like ill be hunting for some tools now :/ can i buff out a light dull wet sand spot? also - scratches that are above the surface - should i just buff em out with the 4000 or meguires?

[@BazejTuszynski]

can you post all the products u used and hardware>?

[@rawdronefree1978]

- Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/3agEvEO - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Buffers / Pads : Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/3kFffgv Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Good Luck !!! Hope I was able to help save you some time searching for all of this. After I was done with mine, it was beautiful. Couldn't believe the difference. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small bit from qualifying purchases, you pay the same as always. Not a penny more.

[@robseibertgulfcoastrealest3243]

My new to me, resale boat has a wrap. Can I wax and buff that?

[@wbcontracting3682]

Thank Trevor. I was just about to get my gradywhite a wet sand. But I will use your method first. Can you post a list of products.

[@theoracle3747]

Well, it's 2022 now, and here I am with a "new-to-me" 2000 Mastercraft in need of this kind of treatment. I found this video very illuminating, particularly the multi-step buffing. I don't know if I'll go to that extent, but watching it was helpful. Good job!

[@rayzor3012]

is the menzerna super finish 4000 for cars as well ? you cant find there marine stuff on any American web sites

[@FirstMateYC]

Yes. Menzerna is an EXCELLENT line. well suited for Auto as well, very greasy, long working time.

[@darknessthehedgehog3]

OK why is this video on a Italian pizza playlist?

[@davidvanhoosier202]

Nice Job!! What do you normally charge to do a boat in that condition? Also do you use the same steps on a white boat?

[@rawdronefree1978]

White boats usually don't need as heavy of compounding.

[@rwerner43]

My boat is also blue with some white fiberglass. About the same condition as this boat. We live in the Keys and use our boat almost daily. (2007 26' Striper cc) Overall a good video, however I wasted 1/2 of my product starting at 1100 rpm's as advised. I did 2 full passes on my boat at 1100 rpms and it did very little. Once I increased it to 1600rpms it did a great job but still needed 2 full passes. To see if I was correct I started the white at 1600rpms and yep, two passes did it.

[@FirstMateYC]

What compound did you use?

[@paulh7589]

My brother left his boat in a river that leads to Mobile bay for 4 months. I cleaned it up with mild acid and a scotch brite pad and felt horrible because of the minor scratches I left in the surface. I used your method and it looked great. The dumb-ass left it in the same water for another 3 months. He's on his own now!

[@clintonjthurman]

I am fully aroused at that reveal. God that’s satisfying. I want to go polish something (my car or something, maybe) but it’s late and I’ve been drinking. Keep up the good work.

[@ashton150]

Do you just get swirl marks with just the wool pads because i angle my pad which is a sponge pad under certain circumstances and i never see any swirl marks

[@paullaguardia2827]

What speed do you set the buffer for the various compound products. Mild, moderate, aggressive, etc.

[@FirstMateYC]

STart slower with more aggressive compound, finish high with finer (helps burn off if too much oil, makes wiping up easier, and bakes in oil).

[@mattperras6409]

Dumb question but do you always go from high to medium to fine grade on all boat detailing jobs? And do you use a different microfiber for taking off all different types of compound? And for the waxing, was that in the random orbit mode? and when can I use random orbit or a regular polisher while detailing?

[@bradgerrits5502]

Great video! On my 340 Sundancer, I took off the decals from the previous owner and can also see where decals were from the original owner before that. Should I wet sand or not? It’s been buffed and waxed before and can still see it.

[@fpscanada3862]

this guy seems way too enthusiastic about this loool. i have to do this every year for my bosses boat and it sucks

[@rawdronefree1978]

haha

[@frandanco6289]

silicone is not a compound grit, it is like an oil..

[@lbbradley55]

GOOD JOB ON THE BUFFING. I WANT TO ASK YOU HAVE YOU EVER BUFFED A CAPE HORN BOATS...!!! THEY HAVE VERY HIGH END GEAL COATING IF I UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY. I DON'T KNOW THE NAME OF IT. BUT HAVE YOU BUFFED ANY & IF SO HOW DID IT TURN OUT. THANKS.

[@montejones4974]

Interested to know how to blend out the color difference where was a decal. On a white surface, under the decal is whiter. I'm using your methods on a fiberglass RV surface and not a boat.

[@jefflukowski9246]

How did you prepare the boat before buffing? Did you wash it with soap? I’ve heard toilet bowl cleaner works great.

[@boatman222345]

Nice work! But man you must be a glutton for punishment doing this for a living!

[@paulrhodes482]

Great video! Thank you picked up a ton of great tip. -Paul

[@DetailxpertsNet1]

Waxing can help preserve your boat’s fibreglass exterior and make it easier for you to do follow-up cleaning on your own.

[@loganavery971]

Gonna pick one up tomorrow thats a lot worse. It's not even at all shiny. I'm hoping I can save it with some good buffing and wax.

[@gilbertnavarez3247]

There is a trick you color sanded the left side to make it look really dull but anyone with some skills can bring the shineright back it.

[@cootingram6265]

Should I do this before I put a partial vinyl wrap on my boat or will that make for poor adhesion? I'd hate for the wrap to start peeling

[@demetrisjohnson7464]

what are the product you use nd buffers you use nd pads?

[@FirstMateYC]

I am not sure what you mean, "ND", can you clarify?

[@rawdronefree1978]

- Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/3agEvEO - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Buffers / Pads : Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/3kFffgv Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Good Luck !!! Hope I was able to help save you some time searching for all of this. After I was done with mine, it was beautiful. Couldn't believe the difference. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small bit from qualifying purchases, you pay the same as always. Not a penny more.

[@jackbloznowski5429]

The molecule doesn't break down. The individual grit particle breaks down to smaller grit.

[@anthonysilva5015]

5:39 in and I want to thank you for not putting the buffer on edge and explaining why you don't do it. I see a lot of folks that ride the edge. Say no to swirls...

[@hypurnova]

My SO buffs our boat like this...right on the edge of the buffer and it makes me cringe so badly I have to walk away. I've tried telling him to use it flat and flush so he doesn't risk damaging the gelcoat but he won't stand to reason because I'm a woman therefore I must know nothing.

[@anthonysilva5015]

@@hypurnova I take it back, being as a woman agrees with me I must've been wrong... Lol. Just kidding. There's not many people that know that little knowledge nugget. What's an SO?

[@hypurnova]

@@anthonysilva5015 SO stands for "significant other"

[@anthonysilva5015]

@@hypurnova ah, gotcha. Thanks 👍🏼😁

[@assigrossman7487]

How about a happy little tree right there

[@jaydog3860]

Hey bud u missed a spot.

[@stefanieknight9628]

I was told after buffing you need to wash the area with soap and water ( or whatever you wash your car with ) then wax? Is this true?

[@joea7818]

had u wet sanded first u would of broke down the oxidation fast and easier and u would have had to buffed maybe twice with the compound

[@PRACERZ]

YUP, a lot of talking, working on the hot side in the sun, taping on the compound why ??? Too may no nos !!!

[@revolversntulips]

How thorough are you with cleaning before buffing? Just schampo and rinse? Or do you see to it that all different types of dirt is removed before buffing? I'm having some problems removing darker water stains on white gelcoat by hand and then when I start to buff some of it comes off and kinda smears into the buffed area. Anyone got some ideas? I don't want to use too strong chemicals like acetone risking a dryed up gelcoat.

[@FirstMateYC]

We are very thorough before buffing! anything left behind is either going to be ground into the boat, or will simply be more work to remove. I am guessing the darker water stains may have some rust in them, or something else that is harder to remove (not just 'water'). Acetone will not help that type of stain, but I would recommedn an acid. Start mild, with vinegar, then use something stronger till you see a difference; lime-away/CLR -> bottom cleaner -> muriatic

[@silvercvic]

Just curiuos, but why do you have a Dewalter buffer for compound and a Makita Buffer for wax. Aren't they both relatively the same thing just different company

[@FirstMateYC]

ethan'stank The Dewalt buffer used here is a rotary machine, the Makita is a random orbital. They are NOT relatively the same thing. The random orbital makes it virtually impossible to leave swirl marks, the same can not be said of the rotary buffer (the Dewalt).

[@scottboat6552]

looking forward to waxing to get this season started.

[@NautiBehavior]

Great point about wet-sanding. Thank you!!

[@jamessund5370]

Right lol 🤣

[@gmtony55]

I have a question on pricing. I am in Louisiana and I recarpet boats,mostly bass boats and I sometimes buff and wax boats for customers who ask me too. Do yall charge by length of boat or by square footage? I am sure level of oxidation plays a part also.

[@FirstMateYC]

gmtony55 We charge by the hour, plus cost of materials. For boats of common lengths/widths, we do charge by the foot as we can predict the amount of time it will take (we have lots and lots of data from past jobs). The level of oxidation certainly plays a part!

[@NSApple]

Is there any opposition to applying wax in forced rotation? Is foam preferable for this on gelcoat?

[@skeeterd5150]

I’m kind of curious why add the compound to the boat instead of the pad? You’re buffing the pad instead of the boat. Is that what the instructions say?

[@antoniobarragan7755]

Yeah add it to the pad and then turn it on see what happens genius.!

[@jody3058]

nasty nasty oxidation. that boat dont hold a candle to the oxidation on my boat, it would likely make you throw up lol

[@StevenGentry]

Very nice job - I've watched this video several times, trying to document your technique. I've got a 2003 Sundancer 260. Got a Makita 7" rotary with a wool pad and set of CCC foam pads, and a Porter Cable 7424xp with an assortment of cutting/polishing/finishing pads. My boat is white, so its tougher to see when I've gotten through all the oxidation, but my question is this: how much compound do you use, how much pressure do you apply, and how do you know when you've worked through the compound and need to clean your pad/apply more compound?

[@FirstMateYC]

I like to make sure there is enough compound on so the boat doesn't get 'hot', and it is lubricated. A very thin layer, there shouldn't be 'mountains' of compound. Medium to heavy pressure; BUT KEEP THE PAD FLAT!!!!!. When you cannot see the compound, or it dries to a haze, apply more.

[@danaldrich2171]

Could you post the products used?

[@LandoLeavesLand]

Here ya go ... Compounds : - Reel Shine (NOW CALLED STARKE) - Restructure (Step 1) - amzn.to/2WdA3iv - Menzerna Medium Cut (Step 2) - amzn.to/2WfpwTY - Menzerna Super Finish 3500 (Fine Compound) (Step 3) - amzn.to/2DEhZXg - Meguires Flagship Premium Marine Wax (Step 4) - amzn.to/2DFEETd Dewalt Buffer - Dw849 - amzn.to/2GQc9nM Makita Buffer - BO6050J (newer model) - amzn.to/2GKfPq4 Shurehold Wax Pad (Used with Makita Buffer (wiggle mode) and Meguires Flagship) - amzn.to/2J2SgLH 3M ultra fine foam polishing pad 05733 (Use with Dewalt Buffer and Menzerna Super Finish) - amzn.to/2Wd24Xh Good Luck !

[@starwarsfanforlife]

Good job on the gelcoat...I don't envy your job. I know how much work it takes to get gelcoat back like that as i did that to one of the boats I owned that was almost as bad as that. I used a DA polisher with foam pads so it took me a little longer than using wool etc. I used 3D products HD Uno for the entire job just changing pads along the way.

[@FirstMateYC]

The RO DA polishers are great for applying wax, but you really need a rotary wheel with torque to 'cut' the severe oxidation. Make the tools work, not you!

[@MOGENNEGOM]

Why does it have a shiny stripe at the bottom of the dulled blue gel coat that disappears when you buff it? Was a stripe buffed into it before? Just wondering

[@billandpech]

I was wondering that too! I'm guessing it was covered by a glued on stripe which was removed just before the buffing.

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

Chalky? So how do I prevent it? The wax?

[@cbrown4440]

No tricks no mirrors, just shine 👍

[@mikepech1648]

Lol. I married a clean freak wife. I recommend one of them to all boaters. Supply them with the tools and sit back with a cool one and watch the magic happen.

[@extrasteez5727]

Lucky man

[@robyhutchinson7981]

Is there a big difference between using the Makita and the Dewalt? Could you not just get by with one of them or do they function that differently?

[@Firstmateyachtcare]

+Roby Hutchinson The buffers used have different purposes. One is a RANDOM orbital buffer, the other is not. To reduce the chance of seeing swirl marks, you want to use the random orbital.

[@davidbullard1522]

Great video, thanks for posting it. I've been buffing for a while but have been unable to finish the job without leaving swirl marks behind especially on dark colors. Your video has really helped. Keep on sharing the knowledge.

[@FirstMateYC]

+david bullard Thanks!

[@wazup3333]

@@FirstMateYC do you make your own compound?

[@gaycha6589]

Start fast and coarse, finish fine and slower.

[@danknug922]

I have never seen so much compound used to buff. not only is there being ten times more use than necessary you're ruining your wool pad at a rapid rate.

[@FirstMateYC]

I appreciate your opinion, but this boat was severely neglected.

[@redskiclayton]

I agree.... I will give a 2x2 area a squirt of compound and move it with the buffer until that area is and has been compounded, and if I have to maybe a little more? Then I will spur my pad and remove it and move on to the next 2x2 area. When I am finished with all my compounding I will use my orbital polisher to put the finishing touch. Otherwise he did a nice job, just way too much compound.

[@J_M3444]

You do realize how much gel coat is on a boat right? You could sit there for a day and wouldn’t burn through that gel coat with a wool pad

[@kotakintai]

Lets see your video then!

[@Bassin_withaustin]

Y’all don’t have to be dicks about it to him about it jeez

[@MrHjgottesman]

My boat is 22 years old. Is a paste wax better for sealing the gel coat that a liquid wax?

[@joeyfrost7184]

For longevity, use a sealant like Powerlock+. If you're after depth and clarify, and keep up on the maintenance, use a paste wax.

[@josephmontanaro8824]

I have a sea ray 23 1987 same color blue and will do mine soon great video.

[@supermotoboy3664]

after you do this and wax....how often should you wax to maintain?

[@captlarry-3525]

Thanks ! Always good to watch somebody who is skilled and thinks about the work.

[@blackpearlfromqc]

Tks for this video

[@thanksmisfortune]

How can I learn how to do this and possibly get a job here? I've waxed and detailed high end cars for over 6 years…. my family has a condo in Florida and it has always been a dream of mine to work and live in florida. im 21 from michigan. if i'm just dreaming, ignore this, otherwise reply back dude! this looks like very pleasurable rewarding work

[@FirstMateYC]

Adam Paolella Check out our website, FirstMateYachtCare.com, and call or email us. We do a lot of work in Michigan as well.

[@thanksmisfortune]

First Mate Yacht Care will do!

[@phi376]

Curious, did you get the job?

[@andrewslinkard7823]

to many steps you can get the same result with a quarter of the time not saying that he's not good but if you do this for a living you would lose money it's got a lot to do with the product that you use just use a one step compound or if it's bad maybe a super 600 don't get me wrong this guy is a professional and great at what he does but this method is to time consuming if you are doing four or five boat's a day my work looks just as good in half the time and I live in South South Florida

[@abelvazquez6012]

If you are doing four to five boats a day you are not doing a very good job.

[@billandpech]

Opinions vary. I think you skip too many steps... like punctuation lol :-)