Looking for boat polisher reccomendations

[Tuna Tales]

That time of the year again...getting ready to Wax On and Wax Off...

Looking for a good quality boat polisher...I read that 2 speed is best? Variable speed? Shurhold? Porter Cable? 7"?

Also...I would like to "compound" my hull before I wax it...looking at the 3M Marine Compound and Finishing (purple bottle) vs. the 3M Finesse It (green bottle). Which one is best?


Thx!


Joe T.

[Capt. Debbie]

Use Starbrite with PTEF. The best polish I have ever seen or used.

I know you're looking for a gadget. But I love this stuff.

Originally Posted by Tuna Tales

That time of the year again...getting ready to Wax On and Wax Off...

Looking for a good quality boat polisher...I read that 2 speed is best? Variable speed? Shurhold? Porter Cable? 7"?

Also...I would like to "compound" my hull before I wax it...looking at the 3M Marine Compound and Finishing (purple bottle) vs. the 3M Finesse It (green bottle). Which one is best?


Thx!


Joe T.

[Flygaff]

I have a variable speed Porter Cable and just love it. I polish my 25 in and out every year.

[Duffman]

Griot’s Garage 10813STDCRD. Love it and idiot proof.

Always used Collonite products and never disappointed. First hit it with 920 then 925.

[Maritime Matt]

Wore my old Black and Decker out so next was a Dewalt single speed 2300rpm.
Still have it but with all the new compounds and polishes/foam pads to the market over the last 15 yrs, a variable speed was the way to go. Now I use a Makita.
For material, a favorite is 3m cleaner/wax. Works great on lightly oxidized fiberglass. I use a wool pad for this.
If warranted, a coat of Collinite 885 paste or there Insulator wax rounds it out.
I also use Mequiars Flagship Premium marine wax.
I've been doing this stuff for years working in body shops right out of high school and keeping up on the product info. Done hundreds of boats as well.
3m also has a Perfect-It Gelcoat Light cutting polish + wax and a Medium version of the same. Trying that out this year.