Taking care of hardtop

[grady33]

Hey folks. Got the 330 in the water this weekend. Hull was waxed and I plan on doing some waxing this Saturday. I did one side with Collinite boat cleaner and I really worked well and got rid of the chalkiness. I didn't have time to apply wax but will do so this weekend.

Here my question? I'd like to do the hardtop and was wondering if I could use this and the apply some sort of Protectant afterwards. It's a very large hardtop so the more I can protect it, I'm thinking the better. Any suggestions? I've seen folks talk about woodys wax but that just seems like a coating that would wear off quickly. We climb up there so I don't want it slippery.

 

[Fishermanbb]

I would not apply a wax on the top other than Woody's (Which is what I use). It is non slip and others won't be. Woody's is easy to apply and on the hard top you will need to use is once a month. Just wet down the top, spray it on, scrub it in with a brush and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then hose it off. The surface will be slick for about an hour or so afterwards but then it is perfect, clean, shiny, and plenty of grip.

PS. Great choice on the Collinites. I wash with Blue Dawn Ultra to remove all the old wax and then I use the 920 cleaner (With a wheel), then apply the 885 paste wax (On by hand, heat with a wheel, then off by hand - Then polish with a wheel and a microfiber polishing pad). I do two coats of wax. People are shocked at how great my boat looks. I think you will be pleased with the results.

 

[grady33]

Thanks for the reply. What polisher do you use. Was thinking of getting the shurHold one but not sure. I have 2 large ones that are just too big to hold and for getting into those small areas.

 

[eppem]

The great thing about the internet and this site is you will get a lot of responses - the problem is the opinions may differ! I have a 2003 265 express - our thinking for Spring (and mid Summer cleaning) is start at the top. First thing I clean before anything goes on the boat is the hardtop. Basically climb on the top with a stiff handbrush, H2O and some spray 9. Scrub away! No wax as the kids like to jump off when swimming. I will wax the "finished" trim around the top so it "pops". Don't forget to clean UNDER the hard top too. Many don't and that can get pretty grimy very quicky.

As for wax - been using the 3M combo compound/wax for lightly oxidized hulls. Goes on easy, comes off easy and looks great. Good luck!

EPPE