Recommendations for a boat polisher

[SV-Apres]

I bought the Milwaukee Tool M18 polisher (https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-Tool-Only/dp/B01N909O6H) last year and did my boat with it. it was light, has great battery life and good speed control. Used it with Maguire products for cutting and waxing.

 

[stevd]

I have the older version of this one which I really like;

ShineMate - EP801 G2+ Rotary Polisher

It is reasonably lightweight. Especially compared to Silverline polishers. It is also a good price for the weight of the machine I have been using it today and I am not aching too much. Clean your car very often have promo codes for discounts of around 10% off too, probably worth a google.

I have also been using a new polish today and I have to say I was pretty happy with the results it was this polish used with a lambs wool pad;

Yachtec Gloss Renovator - Medium

 

[stevd]

Missed the part where you were asking for tips....I think now is a great time for polishing a boat. The cold overcast weather....whilst horrible to work in, I find is a lot better for polishing in. It stops the polish drying out too quickly and the the cold weather helps to not build up excessive heat in the gelcoat from the rotary polisher.

You have a blue hull....is it very faded or has it been well maintained? This will help you to decide the level of cut compound or polish you will need to start with.

On my topsides, as I do them each year, I was ok with the medium polish I posted before with just a few passes of the polishing machine to remove the light oxidation.

In terms of technique, there is a lot of Youtube videos giving good tutorials, but simply, I use a machine speed of around 1500 - 1800 rpm and keep the machine moving at a slow and steady pace overlapping each pass at about 50% of the pad diameter. Try to keep the pad as flat to the surface of the boat as possible, don't put the pad at an angle. Doing a couple of vertical and horizontal passes for each small section at a time. Do small sections at a time using a small amount of polish (don't overload the pad). It is also important to clean the polish pad of old excess dried in polish from time to time.

 

[ashtead]

In terms of staging I find a good boatyard will at weekends have what amounts to a wheeled platform with steps down and a rail around top on outside edge front. Makes it much easier to move-just roll forward on wheeled end and run up steps . It’s also far more stable than a ladder and more accessible than staging. No idea what they are called though but might be an idea. I think go for a battery version with 2 packs of battery and go with whatever make you have already in battery tools or the brand you aspire to . Weight is key I think . Speak to a few people at the yard though as they might recommend a make based on local dealerships maybe . As you might not enjoy the task and after a few times decide to pay the yard to polish maybe a cheap make to start with to see if you enjoy the activity.

 

[captaincobby]

Missed the part where you were asking for tips....I think now is a great time for polishing a boat. The cold overcast weather....whilst horrible to work in, I find is a lot better for polishing in. It stops the polish drying out too quickly and the the cold weather helps to not build up excessive heat in the gelcoat from the rotary polisher.

You have a blue hull....is it very faded or has it been well maintained? This will help you to decide the level of cut compound or polish you will need to start with.

On my topsides, as I do them each year, I was ok with the medium polish I posted before with just a few passes of the polishing machine to remove the light oxidation.

In terms of technique, there is a lot of Youtube videos giving good tutorials, but simply, I use a machine speed of around 1500 - 1800 rpm and keep the machine moving at a slow and steady pace overlapping each pass at about 50% of the pad diameter. Try to keep the pad as flat to the surface of the boat as possible, don't put the pad at an angle. Doing a couple of vertical and horizontal passes for each small section at a time. Do small sections at a time using a small amount of polish (don't overload the pad). It is also important to clean the polish pad of old excess dried in polish from time to time.

I’m afraid I have no good photos to show the bloom, we bought this boat last summer and the previous owner was considering wrapping her so he obviously thought she was bad

 

[ctva]

I’m afraid I have no good photos to show the bloom, we bought this boat last summer and the previous owner was considering wrapping her so he obviously thought she was bad

Sorry that I missed your earlier post, the link was missing, not sure how. Anyway, here it is, TecTake Car Polisher Sander 0-3000rpm 1500 watt + set 11 : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

 

[stevd]

It sounds like you will have to do a number of passes with the use of a heavy cut compound such as meguairs heavy duty oxidation remover or the yachtech heavy cut compound with a heavy cutting lambs wool pad to begin with. You will then need to refine the finish with A finishing polish.

If you have a lot of polishing to do and end up buying a very budget polisher which is heavy, you will soon regret it - or your arms and shoulders will - and possibly give up on the project. Polishing isn't fun, but it's made even worse with the use of a bad machine and bad quality pads and polishes.

 

[Sianna]

I went through the same process and eventually bought a Rupes polisher. They are powerful but only weigh 2kgs so your arms don't fall off after using them all day. ?

LH18ENS RUPES Professional Rotary Angle Polisher - 240v - Power Tool Sales

3M do a great range of polishing pads that worked with our chalky / mat hull really well.

3M Perfect-It Green Polishing Pad (150mm)

And I too use meguires cut and polish

Meguiar's Marine RV 45 High Gloss Boat Polish 473ml M4516 : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

 

[Sianna]

Everyone like a few pictures so here's a few before and after shots from our boat.

The hull and topside was flat








first polish to the hull.



now she will get a yearly mop and polish but a few afternoons work for very little outlay.

 

[SV-Apres]

This is mine last spring after one pass with 'MEGUIAR'S M4416 Marine/RV Color Restorer' and then 'Meguiar’s M5616 Marine/RV Pure Wax Carnauba Blend'. Applied with the 'Milwaukee 2738-20 M18 18-Volt FUEL Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 7 inch Variable Speed Polisher'. All new bottom paint and logos as well!

 

[MJWB]

Has anyone used this polisher? Lighter than many which is an advantage. Noticed it was in PBO January 2022.
G Plus Rotary Polishing Machine - Farécla

 

[Dino]

I use a Kestrel DAS6 polisher. It’s a much easier unit to manage compared to my Silverline rotary. I watched a guy on YouTube called Drakes Detailing, he gives great tips.
I use Menzerna 400 heavy cut compound on a firm foam pad. Then seal it with Menzerna Powerlock. Really easy to use products and they wipe off really easily.