Advice needed on cleaner/wax

[gusweber]

Just purchased our first Ranger, an R29 (2009 model). Very excited to get in the water and get rolling for the season!

The hull is in great shape, fresh wax this spring -- but the rest of the top deck, visor, roof, etc need some TLC. Any advice on what to use to clean, restore and protect?

Appreciate the help!

 

[HRowland]

Congratulations on your purchase, another Ranger Tug in the Northeast!

I have had good results with Prism Polish followed by Prism Mirage sealant. The polish removes gelcoat oxidation without much effort. You can buy it direct or from Amazon.

http://www.prismpolish.com/

My R27 is in Warwick Cove. Where will you base your R29?

Howard

 

[gusweber]

Howard -- thanks for the advice. I may reach out to you to see if I can borrow your time for some questions on systems on the R29. We're based up the bay at Edgewood Yacht Club.

Gus

 

[Brian B]

Gus,
Congrats on your Ranger Tug. It will be nice to see another tug on Narragansett Bay. We have a slip at Allen's Harbor for our 25SC. There is a Ranger Tug Rendesvous in Mystic CT this Aug, you can find info here on Tugnuts.
Brian

 

[ragman]

We use Awlcare by the company that makes Awlgrip paint. It goes on like most liquid waxes, but it can be applied in full sun and still easily buff off by hand. I do it twice a year. I also use it on my Airstream travel trailer. Even after six months, the water still beads up nicely.

 

[pugtug613]

I always found anything that is Carnuba wax works fine. I either wax it in the late morning or early evening, when the sun is not so hot. If I do it in the spring, it lasts the season, for the most part.

 

[j&lgray]

Andiamo uses only two products that creates a lot of positive comments: Starbrite's rubbing compound, medium or heavy takes all the chalkiness and stains. You know that rubbing compound is necessary when after you have washed the boat, the surface does NOT feel mirror smooth and slick. We use a water/vinegar solution in a spray bottle to quickly remove salt and dirt. Starbrite's Premium Marine Polish with PTEF is quickly wiped on and then lightly buffed - no machine is necessary. Put one coat on, a week or two later, put on another coat and you are good for months. Your know the polish is working when water beads up on the surface. We do NOT use this polish in the deck where we walk because it can be too slick for us. There, a conventional wax is used.

Be careful on what soap product is used to clean the tug. A Dawn-type of soap will strip off the polish and wax. Use this, if you want to start all over again.

These products are like opinions, everyone loves theirs and that is why the shelves are full of options.