Tricks of the Trade

todd brinkerhoff · Post by **todd brinkerhoff** » Thu Nov 11, 2010 1:44 pm

After seeing another post about wd-40 vs Boeshield, I thought it would be cool to find out what products and methods people use on their boats, and the things they "swear by". This would include general cleaners, waxes, lubricants, oils, sealants, epoxies, etc.

General Lubricant and Protector - Boeshield
Sealants - 3M (4200 or 5200 depending on application)
Vinyl Cleaner - Eraser sponges (works well on discoloration)
General Cleaner - Heavy Duty Simple Green (Purple)
Bilge Cleaner - Purple Power
Wax/Polish - Need suggestions
Engine and Metal Paint - POR 15 with POR Chrysler Blue Engine Enamel (for motor)
Bilge Paint - POR 15 WhiteCote
Bottom Paint - Need suggestions
Oil - Mobil 1 Synthetic

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Thu Nov 11, 2010 4:14 pm

Usually what I swear by, is having plenty of ice cold beer handy...you know, for those things that make me swear!

Good topic. I'll add more as I remember them.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Thu Nov 11, 2010 4:32 pm

Here's what I use:

general lubricant & protector: WD-40
sealants: 3M 5200, Life Seal & GE UltraGlaze SSG4000 (plexiglass windows into frames)
vinyl cleaner: Meguiars, Mean Green and Star Bright inflatable boat & fender cleaner
general cleaner: Mean Green (great for spider sh**

)
bilge cleaner: Mean Green
wax/polish: Pre Launch Meguiar's 49, 54 & 56 and for maintenance thru the summer Meguiar's 50
engine & metal paint: PlastiCoat
bilge paint: Interlux Bilgecoat
bottom paint: Interlux Bottomcoat
engine & generator oil: 15-50 Amsoil racing oil
transmission: Amsoil ATF

Allen Sr · Post by **Allen Sr** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 7:19 am

Stripermann2 wrote:Usually what I swear by, is having plenty of ice cold beer handy...you know, for those things that make me swear!

Good topic. I'll add more as I remember them.

Ditto!!

(thats why theres 2cases already on ice ON the boat)

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Sat Nov 13, 2010 10:01 am

no list is complete without the handyman's secret weapon---Duct Tape!!!

Oh and you ain't cleaning unless you have some 409!!!

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sat Nov 13, 2010 10:15 am

Wire Ties

MTP · Post by **MTP** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 4:45 am

Wild Turkey

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:51 am

General Lubricant WD-40

Protector - Boeshield

Sealants - 3M (4200 or 5200 depending on application)

Vinyl Cleaner - Spray 9

General Cleaner - Spray 9 409, Windex, Simple Green (green)

Bilge Cleaner - liquid dish soap (sometimes I'll just leave a squire in the bilges. Wish I could drop a simple bar of some kind of soap in there that woiuld work well.)

Wax/Polish - Collonite (but will check out the new Shurhold machine and wax later this year !)

Engine and Metal Paint - n/a

Bilge Paint - Interlux Bilgekote white enamel

Bottom Paint - Interlux Micron Plus ablative (for boat on lift)

Oil - Shell Rotella

RWS

koviak · Post by **koviak** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 7:01 am

Ditto on all the above, Plus I drop a Clorox bleach tab in forward and aft bilge ( keeps them clean and no musty odor)

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 7:35 am

Forgot to add:

boat deck soap - WOODY WAX in a Mr. Clean car wash applicator - no more buckets!

Also, if you haven't tried the WOODY WAX protective treatment for a clean deck, it works GREAT.

Keeps decks really clean and easier to keep clean.

Shake well and a little goes a long way. Be prepared, it costs $30/bottle.! you will get many uses from that bottle 10-12 squirts or so to do the whole boat

Only bad thing, it only lasts about 4-6 weeks in thge Florida sun.

RWS

todd brinkerhoff · Post by **todd brinkerhoff** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 4:34 pm

Great lists...I now have some new stuff to try.

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 7:27 pm

You won'r be dissapointed in th eWOODY WAX.

RWS

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 7:58 pm

only thing I swear by is my "manly-man" tool...[leatherman]...along w duct tape,beer,and my remote control fart machine ..[damn near pissed my pants laughing several times....it's great through the loud hailer...,hiding in a potted plant in a restuarant when on a trip...or on the bow pulpit when bowed in when visiting other marina's...]