Detailing your Helmsman

[KDT]

Today was day 1 of detailing the hull. I thought an update to earlier comments might be useful.

Last season I gave the hull full polisher TLC, then applied Fleetwax paste. In comments above I basically said the bow area got scrubbed by water a bit and I didn't have much wax left.

That turns out to be false. The haze I was looking at turned out to be light dust / dirt, not light oxidation. The minute I wiped it with a damp cloth this morning as a first step the haze was gone and the wax shine was there.

So basically the Fleetwax gave me a solid one full season of protection, which is all I can ask of it.

In no need of polishing, my 4 day job just became 2 days.

With time saved, I applied 2 coats of wax, on top of whatever wax remained.

I did use the polisher in a few trouble spots, around scuppers and fluid outlet fittings and side doors where dirty water runoff gives it more of a beating.

The completed side looks 100% factory fresh. Fleetwax gets a thumbs up.

FWT, Where are you located? I think Latitude has a large effect on the longevity of a finish. I read another forum which stated Fleetwax will give great protection up to one year in higher latitudes but don't expect more than 3 months in warmer climates.

 

[FWT]

Did you use machine or by hand? I am still wondering what and how to apply when its being commissioned in the yard. (Best laid plans)

Wax entirely by hand.

If you are going to try doing it while commissioning, it will be fresh off the boat from China and won't need a machine polish unless there is some rubbed spot you want to buff out.

Mine arrived first of July to the Chesapeake, 2023. Commissioning was a whirl of activity, and was hauled out for only 1-2 hours to attach the swim platform. No time to wax. Then again a few weeks later for 24 hours or so to drill for transducers. You could try to do it then.

My hull didn't see wax for that first half season of use then a winter haul out. Very, very light oxidation come the spring of 2024. I polished using a very light cut polish and it was back to pristine.

I lay out that detail because depending on where you are, when yours arrives and is commissioned and so forth, you might also be in a position to put it off a bit. Commissioning is a whirlwind of numerous chores you will be attending to and sometimes you just need to prioritize.

FWT, Where are you located? I think Latitude has a large effect on the longevity of a finish. I read another forum which stated Fleetwax will give great protection up to one year in higher latitudes but don't expect more than 3 months in warmer climates.

Chesapeake.

 

[KDT]

Wax entirely by hand.

If you are going to try doing it while commissioning, it will be fresh off the boat from China and won't need a machine polish unless there is some rubbed spot you want to buff out.

Mine arrived first of July to the Chesapeake, 2023. Commissioning was a whirl of activity, and was hauled out for only 1-2 hours to attach the swim platform. No time to wax. Then again a few weeks later for 24 hours or so to drill for transducers. You could try to do it then.

My hull didn't see wax for that first half season of use then a winter haul out. Very, very light oxidation come the spring of 2024. I polished using a very light cut polish and it was back to pristine.

I lay out that detail because depending on where you are, when yours arrives and is commissioned and so forth, you might also be in a position to put it off a bit. Commissioning is a whirlwind of numerous chores you will be attending to and sometimes you just need to prioritize.


Chesapeake.

Magnus Master install keeps the boat on the hard for a week so I was thinking I would need something to do, but actually, I just remembered I am retired. I'll probably call in the professionals to give it a good detailing. Phew! I feel better already.

 

[TrawlerGreg]

Hi Folks.. for context.. I took delivery of my 38E in early July '24 and after a whirlwind of commissioning, including DMS Magnus Master installation, I immediately took her up to NYC where we live then throughout New England during Summer and then to the Florida Keys in the Fall where my 38E is currently. In a few weeks I'll begin her journey back north.. all told nearly 500 hours on the Cummins (since July) and I finally had my first wash/wax/exterior detailing about 4 weeks ago. Up to that point I was in good shape, but it was time!

So here's what I did:
I hired a former mega yacht captain (think super detailed, highly experienced individual) who set up a very popular detailing service in Vero Beach where I found myself.

I couldn't allocate the time as I was flying home (and essentially have basic knowledge in this area and didn't want to "invest" days doing the work which may have led to sub optimal results).

I had a self proclaimed "OCD" individual assigned to my 38E for what was 6 full days. For what was about $3,500 I got an amazing outcome and got all the details on process, on materials used, etc. From this point forward I have a great foundation, the information and techniques to continue this on my own.

Here are the cliff notes:

1. When washing the boat - don't use what I had been using (Marine West pink boat wash), but use Meguiars Boat Wash (it's pink, on Amazon and doesn't remove the wax like West Marine apparently does). Tons of positive reviews online, now it's on my radar!

2. While washing the boat have a tube of Starbrite in our pocket with an old rag. See any rust on the stainless? Simply apply and wash away with a wet rag. It works, it's on Amazon..

3. Use a shammy for windows, metals to eliminate water marks. Basic, it works wonders.. $8 on Amazon.

4. After using Starbrite (see #2 above), use Collinite Insulator Wax No. 845. This is a polymer sealer for metals. After Starbrite is washed away put this on and let it dry to a haze, then wipe off. It's on Amazon.

5. Meguiars Premium Marine Wax. It's on Amazon, do this every 3-6 months on the gelcoat if you're in the south, up in the northeast less often needed). Maybe do a section every few months vs. doing the whole darn 38E over one weekend. Simply apply with a rag, let it haze, then wipe down.

6. For acrylic / plastic bits on the boat like the windscreen on the flybridge): Product is called NOVUS. Novus 1, Novas 2, and Novas 3 are the products to remove scratches (#3) to polish (#1). If you begin with #3 you need to then use #2, and complete with #1.

Sorry for the long post, but this guy was great, gave me the tools and sharing with you.

Greg

 

[KMAL]

Hi Folks.. for context.. I took delivery of my 38E in early July '24 and after a whirlwind of commissioning, including DMS Magnus Master installation, I immediately took her up to NYC where we live then throughout New England during Summer and then to the Florida Keys in the Fall where my 38E is currently. In a few weeks I'll begin her journey back north.. all told nearly 500 hours on the Cummins (since July) and I finally had my first wash/wax/exterior detailing about 4 weeks ago. Up to that point I was in good shape, but it was time!

So here's what I did:
I hired a former mega yacht captain (think super detailed, highly experienced individual) who set up a very popular detailing service in Vero Beach where I found myself.

I couldn't allocate the time as I was flying home (and essentially have basic knowledge in this area and didn't want to "invest" days doing the work which may have led to sub optimal results).

I had a self proclaimed "OCD" individual assigned to my 38E for what was 6 full days. For what was about $3,500 I got an amazing outcome and got all the details on process, on materials used, etc. From this point forward I have a great foundation, the information and techniques to continue this on my own.

Here are the cliff notes:

1. When washing the boat - don't use what I had been using (Marine West pink boat wash), but use Meguiars Boat Wash (it's pink, on Amazon and doesn't remove the wax like West Marine apparently does). Tons of positive reviews online, now it's on my radar!

2. While washing the boat have a tube of Starbrite in our pocket with an old rag. See any rust on the stainless? Simply apply and wash away with a wet rag. It works, it's on Amazon..

3. Use a shammy for windows, metals to eliminate water marks. Basic, it works wonders.. $8 on Amazon.

4. After using Starbrite (see #2 above), use Collinite Insulator Wax No. 845. This is a polymer sealer for metals. After Starbrite is washed away put this on and let it dry to a haze, then wipe off. It's on Amazon.

5. Meguiars Premium Marine Wax. It's on Amazon, do this every 3-6 months on the gelcoat if you're in the south, up in the northeast less often needed). Maybe do a section every few months vs. doing the whole darn 38E over one weekend. Simply apply with a rag, let it haze, then wipe down.

6. For acrylic / plastic bits on the boat like the windscreen on the flybridge): Product is called NOVUS. Novus 1, Novas 2, and Novas 3 are the products to remove scratches (#3) to polish (#1). If you begin with #3 you need to then use #2, and complete with #1.

Sorry for the long post, but this guy was great, gave me the tools and sharing with you.

Greg

This is great! Thx

 

[FWT]

Great info Greg. Couple of products there I have not tried, but now I will

 

[Helmsman]

Thanks, Greg, that is awesome!

 

[Jklotz]

Hi Folks.. for context.. I took delivery of my 38E in early July '24 and after a whirlwind of commissioning, including DMS Magnus Master installation, I immediately took her up to NYC where we live then throughout New England during Summer and then to the Florida Keys in the Fall where my 38E is currently. In a few weeks I'll begin her journey back north.. all told nearly 500 hours on the Cummins (since July) and I finally had my first wash/wax/exterior detailing about 4 weeks ago. Up to that point I was in good shape, but it was time!

So here's what I did:
I hired a former mega yacht captain (think super detailed, highly experienced individual) who set up a very popular detailing service in Vero Beach where I found myself.

I couldn't allocate the time as I was flying home (and essentially have basic knowledge in this area and didn't want to "invest" days doing the work which may have led to sub optimal results).

I had a self proclaimed "OCD" individual assigned to my 38E for what was 6 full days. For what was about $3,500 I got an amazing outcome and got all the details on process, on materials used, etc. From this point forward I have a great foundation, the information and techniques to continue this on my own.

Here are the cliff notes:

1. When washing the boat - don't use what I had been using (Marine West pink boat wash), but use Meguiars Boat Wash (it's pink, on Amazon and doesn't remove the wax like West Marine apparently does). Tons of positive reviews online, now it's on my radar!

2. While washing the boat have a tube of Starbrite in our pocket with an old rag. See any rust on the stainless? Simply apply and wash away with a wet rag. It works, it's on Amazon..

3. Use a shammy for windows, metals to eliminate water marks. Basic, it works wonders.. $8 on Amazon.

4. After using Starbrite (see #2 above), use Collinite Insulator Wax No. 845. This is a polymer sealer for metals. After Starbrite is washed away put this on and let it dry to a haze, then wipe off. It's on Amazon.

5. Meguiars Premium Marine Wax. It's on Amazon, do this every 3-6 months on the gelcoat if you're in the south, up in the northeast less often needed). Maybe do a section every few months vs. doing the whole darn 38E over one weekend. Simply apply with a rag, let it haze, then wipe down.

6. For acrylic / plastic bits on the boat like the windscreen on the flybridge): Product is called NOVUS. Novus 1, Novas 2, and Novas 3 are the products to remove scratches (#3) to polish (#1). If you begin with #3 you need to then use #2, and complete with #1.

Sorry for the long post, but this guy was great, gave me the tools and sharing with you.

Greg

Great stuff, thanks for posting.