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Looking for advice on polisher/buffet that won’t break the bank. Also, recommendation on proper pads to use as well as cutting/buffing/waxing supplies. I’ve been reading the internet and there are varying opinions. Would like some advice from fellow whalers. My boat is an 1989 Montauk picked up this fall. I’d say my boat has medium oxidation. Chalkiness... interior primarily. Outside not too bad.
Thanks, Steve


(EDIT: please use the full 4 digit year as shown in guideline #1 at the top of this page)

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I've been restoring 13ft Whalers and most have heavy to medium oxidation. I've tried many approaches and the best method is with a Harbor Freight 7" rotary buffer (not dual action), a Lake County wool cutting pad and 3M Restorer and Wax. Brings the shine back amazingly well. If it's really oxidized, use a DA sander with 240 followed by 400/800/1000/2000 grits and then use the buffer with the 3M product. It will look like new. Don't use too much pressure; let the product or sanding grit do the work. Good luck

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Something like this?...
https://m.harborfreight.com/7-in-10-a...60626.html
Or this...
https://m.harborfreight.com/7-in-10-a...62297.html

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Mine is the second one you listed, but it doesn't have the digital display. Same machine, though, just a newer model. There are other more expensive brands out there but my HF machine has held up w/o any issues after doing five 13 ft Whalers and a 26ft Grady. Be sure to get a high quality wool pad since that's what does the work along with the 3M product. Keep the machine moving and do a roughly 18 in x 18 in section at a time.

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Thanks for the tips... very helpful!

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There is tons of information on this subject on this site. I recommend you use the search function and you will find everything you need.

but quickly:

1. wet sanding when needed #400, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000 in that order
2. 3M marine rubbing compound, or 3M "Marine compound and finishing material"
3. 3M Finesset-it II for high gloss
4. good quality wax

All are expensive products, but the best you can buy. Don't waste you money on other brands. Always use a wool pad.

BW's website also has information on how to polish and maintain a Whaler. They say to stay away from bleach or abrasive containing cleaners (Soft Scrub, Bar Keepers Friend, etc.).

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I agree about the 3M products- I've tried many others and they can't compare. However, I've also found the Restorer does as good, maybe better job, than the Compound and Finesse combo. And it has wax in it, which saves a step. I do wax the gelcoat with Mothers Marine Synthetic wax just to finish it off.

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Here is a caveat about restoring gelcoat. The mil thickness varies greatly on Boston Whaler boats. The Fisher Pierce boats of 1958-1971 vintage, also know as the blue hulls, have thicker mil gelcoat, and can, therefore sustain greater wetsanding frequency, than the later CML produced hulls of outrage Gray color and Desert Tan, e.g., a 1989 Boston Whaler Montauk 17. I used a different method for restoring the gelcoat on my 1970 Boston Whaler Nauset 16 than I did on my 1990 Montauk 17. I never dry sand the gelcoat unless I am doing a gelcoat repair. I loosen up heavy oxidation of gelcoat with a hand-wetsanding starting with 400 grit and a foam block (important). Finnegan's commentary is spot on for 3M product endorsements. When the gelcoat surface is ready for wax, there is really only one brand that stands up in a marine environment: Collinite #845.

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Before I start any sanding and/or buffing, I plan to wash everything down. Should I just use plain soap and water at this point because of the compounds to come? or is it ok to use a Deck Cleaner such as Starbrite Deck Cleaner etc...

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Yes you could use the above after which you must wipe it of with acetone or at least alcohol (not the kind you drink while working on the boat) to cut any left over dirt/wax, etc.