**This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not reflect any affiliation, partnership, or endorsement by any of the companies, manufactures, and suppliers or any of its subsidiaries. Any logos, trademarks, or brand names mentioned belong to their respective owners. The companies, manufactures, and suppliers are mentioned for identification or reference purposes only.**
Alright for all my fellow boat owners and professional detailers. I have made a complete list of my favorite boat detailing products. Some of these products you probably have never heard of before and some are quite popular. Some are new to the market and some have been around for a while. Most are specifically high-grade marine quality and some are intended for the auto industry. Some are quite expensive, some are very affordable, but each one delivers value that makes them worth the investment for proper boat care.
I may offend some by saying this but there is no such thing as the absolute best detailing product out on the market. That is because every user and application is different, which is the reason that it's simply an opinion someone can have. They may say they use the absolute best products but they mean to say, one of the best products.
With that said my opinion comes after being a boat owner with my wife for the past 15 years and a meticulous boat detailer for the past 5 years. I'm not the most experienced detailer, but I've learned a lot, at first being a DIY boat owner experimenting on our own boats with different techniques and products. Then I realized I could turn my passion for maintaining our boats into a career. I'm so grateful I did because now I can honestly say I love my job. One of my favorite feelings that I get to experience is when I get finished detailing a client's boat and their first reaction is similar to a kid getting his favorite ice cream or video game. My goal is to turn any boat I get my hands on, into a showroom floor masterpiece, and the products listed below play a major role in doing so.
In my experience, the products that I mention below do their job well and many have exceeded my high expectations. When a product is priced higher than its competitors, which you'll find many are, its effectiveness can't be mediocre. So needless to say I have very high standards for the products I use and especially the products I recommend.
One last point... I’ve often seen that user errors can lead to dissatisfaction. It’s important for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts to read the directions carefully, even for seemingly simple items like a bottle of soap. Taking this extra step can significantly enhance your results ensuring that the products work as intended and providing guidance on how to avoid damaging surfaces.
So let's get to my list. I broke it down into categories of surface types, like gel coat, metals, isinglass, canvas, etc. That way you can scroll to what you may be most interested in reading. I will have a link to a PDF version of this list so it can be easily printed out. (see link below)
If you are interested in knowing more information on the tools used as well, be sure to check out... "My Favorite Boat Detailing Tools".
Thanks in advance for reading and let me know if you found this useful by clicking "LIKE", which I will appreciate very much! Hope everyone the best weather and safe boating or fishing!
Out Of This World Boatworks LLC of Pittsburgh, PA
Oh and by the way if you are in the Pittsburgh, PA area and of course own a boat, I just happen to run a business that services boats. Out Of This World Boatworks LLC would be grateful to complete any servicing your boat may require. We specialize in mobile boat detailing, marine audio, LED lighting & electronics installations, and boat maintenance & repairs.
Email us: brian@outofthisworldboatworks.com
Check us out on the web: www.outofthisworldboatworks.com
Follow us on Instagram: @out_of_this_world_boatworks
Products highlighted in this same bright yellow is my go-to favorite products. Each product highlighted has a different use and these products have always performed exceptionally well. If used correctly they should produce the same high-quality results as they did for me.
My Favorite & Best Boat Detailing List
Gel Coat & Clear Coat Surfaces:
Important: Information For The Unexperienced:
**Clear Coat / Painted Surfaces** If a surface is a clear coat that usually indicates it has been painted. Be careful not to overdo it and damage the clearcoat or even worse the paint job, when it comes to anything painted, and if you're not experienced. I highly recommend you have a professional complete any surface corrections, meaning buffing and polishing. Marine compounds are designed to cut into oxidized gel coats more efficiently than oxidized clear coats. If a boat has any color to it other than white or off-white you best investigate that it is not painted or you run the risk of damaging it. Formula Boats are boats that are known to be painted by the manufacturer.
Heavy-Cut Compounds:
(these are heavy-cut compounds for gel coat. Be cautious when using on clear coated painted surfaces)
For the deepest cut into an oxidized gel coat pair these compounds with a rotary machine and white wool pads. (see image below) I can't stress enough that if you are inexperienced with this setup, seek help from someone who is. Also, Youtube can be extremely valuable and I highly recommend everyone to check out Drake's Detailing channel. Click here @drakesdetailing
Medium-Cut Compounds:
(With a dual action (DA) machine and a foam pad Menzerna 400 can be used as a one-step cut & polish due to its diminishing abrasive capabilities, which means it breaks down after being worked into the surface leaving a polished high gloss finish) (labeled as heavy cut but marketed for the auto industry. It should cut clear coat faster than gel coat is my reason for listing it under medium-cut)
For the best results, I pair these medium-cut compounds with a rotary machine and yellow wool pad (see image below) or a dual action (DA) machine and a heavy or medium-cut foam pad or a foam/wool hybrid pad, depending on the condition of the surface.
Light-Cut Polish:
For best results, I pair these polishes with a dual action (DA) machine and medium or light-cut foam pad, depending on the condition of the surface. (see image below)
One Step Polish:
Gel Coat & Clear Coat Protection:
Paste Wax:
Polymer Sealant:
Jescar - Ultra Lock Plus - SiO2 Infused Advanced Polymer Sealant
ONE OF THE BEST SEALANTS - Highly recommend it! Just be sure to follow the directions exactly as labeled. With proper application and routine maintenance, the protection will last a whole northern climate boating season. (see image below)
Jescar - Power Lock Plus - 2nd Best To Ultra Lock + Polymer Sealant
Starke - Hyper Hold Pro - SiO2 Polymer Sealant
Menzerna Marine - Gelcoat Premium Protection - Polymer Sealant
Ceramic Coat:
Spray Sealant:
I categorized these into three groups on just what industry they are marketed towards on their manufacturer's websites. This doesn't mean that much but the marine products may hold up slightly better but that's not guaranteed. The previous detailing steps will determine how well these spray sealants hold up in the elements. These are to be used as the final step during any detailing project.
Marine Industry Spray Sealants:
Marine & Auto Spray Sealant:
Auto Industry Spray Sealants:
Technician's Choice - XPC3 - Ceramic Detail Spray
Wolfgang Concours Series Deep Gloss Spritz Sealant
Meguiar's - Ceramic Wax
Griot's Garage - Best Of Show - Polymer Spray Protection
Griot's Garage - Speed Shine - Ceramic Bolster Spray
From left to right - Starke Hydro Guard, Woody Wax, Koch Chemie Spray Sealant + Quick & Shine, Technician's Choice, Wolfgang Gloss Spritz, Meguiar's Ceramic Spray, Griot's Garage Best Of Show & Speed Shine Spray Sealants
Spray On & Hose Off Sealants:
Gel Coat & Clear Coat Surface Cleaners
pH Balanced Soaps:
(safe on surfaces protected with wax, sealant, or ceramic coatings. Will not strip protection coats off)
Not Sealant Safe Soap:
(not safe to use on surfaces protected with wax, sealant, or ceramic coatings. Will strip protection coats off)(use when applying sealant or wax to remove compounds, polish and previous sealants or waxes for the new sealant or wax to adhere to surface)
Waterless Wash:
Water Spot/Rust/Black Streak Remover:
Starke - Venom
P & S - Water Spot Remover
A bottle of Starke Venom Water Spot Remover
Bottom Cleaner:
Metal Cleaner/Polish/Protectant
Isinglass/Clear Vinyl Cleaner/Polish/Protectant
Vinyl Cleaners/Conditioner/Protectant
Canvas/Fabric Cleaner/Protectant
Plastic Conditioner/Protectant
Mothers - Back To Black
Great on Sea-Doo Spark exterior
Meguiar's - Ultimate Black
Great on Sea Sea-Doo Spark exterior
Koch Chemie - TS Top Star
Teak Cleaner/Brightener/Conditioner
Wet Sanding Disc's
Bilge Cleaner
Orpine - Bilge Cleaner
Bleach & Dawn Mixture
Non-Skid Deck Cleaner/Protection
Starbrite - Deck Cleaner with PTEF
Presta - Deck Spray Cleaner
Bleach & Dawn Mixture
Nautical One - Non-Skid Sealer & Protectant - Does NOT leave slick coating
(I can't recommend Nautical One Non-Skid Sealer enough. I love this protection coating that does't leave a slick layer behind like other products. It makes clean ups much easier.)
You can't go wrong choosing practically any cleaner, polish, conditioner, sealant, tool, equipment and etc from anyone of the great companies logo on the image below. These companies all produce top-notch products in their marine industry.
My Supplier and Product Company Sites That I Order From:
These are some of the best-detailing suppliers and product manufacturers in the industry. Highly recommend any of the products that you find on these websites. I use them daily!
(see link below for PDF print out of this entire list for your convenience)
Happy boating!
This Blog Was Written By:
Owner & Operator Of
Out Of This World Boatworks LLC
Three Rivers Of Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Specializing In: Mobile Boat Detailing, Marine Audio, Lighting & Electronics Installations Plus Boat Maintenance & Repairs Of Pittsburgh PA & Surrounding Areas
Disclaimer:
The products recommended in this blog post are solely based on the writer's personal experiences and preferences. The writer and his company are not affiliated with any of the mentioned products, nor are they receiving any form of compensation for their recommendation. It is important to note that the writer and his company do not guarantee the reliability or effectiveness of the recommended products. Individual results may vary, and it is advisable to conduct your own research before making any purchasing decisions. Thank you for reading and considering the recommendations provided in this blog post.
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