Waxing a boat is not always the solution
New boats need wax. When one buys a new boat, unless the dealer has waxed the boat, the only wax the surface has seen is mold/release wax and this dose does not provide protection. One needs to apply a coat of wax, preferably with a specific machine every 3-4 months to optimize protection in the southern climes.
Polish/Stripper cleans off old wax build up over time, usually every 3 years on a well maintained boat. This helps clean the surface and gives the wax a good base to set on again.
Boats that have not had regular maintenance. The gelcoat needs polishing to remove light oxidation. The surface needs to be determined by the make (manufacturer) use/type of gelcoat used, based on the titanium D content mix. Hard finish, high titanium D = less abrasive polish. The lower the titanium D content the more aggressive cut polish/compound use.
Heavy oxidation used to be addressed by machining the gelcoat surface with heavy duty compounds. The problems with this method are that it is too abrasive, leaves swirl marks, discoloration, and is time consuming due to the fact that one would have to use swirl mark remover and then apply polish and finally wax.
We have improved this method by reducing the work applications by wet sanding the surface with a specific machine and using grits from 800-4000. This method actually removes less surface gelcoat and gives a high quality luster finish.
Another advantage is it reduces COST. Wax is applied by machine as a final step.
Heavy surface oxidation showing pitting/cratering = paint boat.
Before we start with any applications we wash the boat. Depending on the service we have agreed upon, we clean lockers, bait wells, storage areas, and polish stainless or aluminum. Finally we wash the boat again.