Easiest seasonal maintenance EVAR!

[Stickinthemud57]

Among my most-hated boat chores as I prepare to put the boat back in the water is the process of compounding out the "dock rash" and cleaning and sealing the boot stripe. Owatrol Polytrol, lacquer thinner, and serendipity changed all that this time around.

Last year I discovered this product:
https://www.owatrolusa.com/product/marine-polytrol/
It is a thick liquid that soaks into the oxidized gel coat and restores the depth and luster. For me, one application lasted the entire 9-month sailing season we enjoy here in north Texas.

Today I went out with 3M compound, Maguire's oxidation remover, and rag in hand to tackle the scuffs I get from my single handed docking. My slip is lined with bumpers, but they will often leave marks. I was having a really hard time getting them off, even trying buffing with my Dremel tool, but it seemed to me that the mars were on the surface rather than in scratches, so I tried a rag with a little lacquer thinner on it and it took them right off with very little rubbing and no compounding required. I figured I would see what it would do with the water marks on the boot stripe and found it took those right off as well. Since it dries instantly, I was able to go right to the application of the Owatrol Polytrol. Instead of the recommended soft cloth applicator, I used a 3" foam brush. This was really perfect since I was able to work it up under the rub rail easily, smooth it out, and minimize the over-application onto the adjacent white surface.

After wiping the Polytrol off (within 10 minutes per the instructions), I found another great use for the lacquer thinner. The Polytrol will darken the white areas adjacent to the treated area slightly, so I went back with my can of lacquer thinner and rag and rubbed off the excess from the white, reducing the darkening effect to the point where it was unnoticeable.

The whole process - everything - took maybe an hour. This is something I used to devote an entire afternoon to, with lots of elbow grease involved.

I encourage anyone who dreads this process as much as I used to to try it.

[Russ]

I'm in. Just ordered a can of it.

[Stickinthemud57]

I'm in. Just ordered a can of it.

I'm confident you will be pleased.

BTW, for anyone put off by the price, a little goes a long way. I have treated the what 4"? 5"? boot stripe on my 26S twice (last year and this year) and have used maybe 1/5 of the can.

[Russ]

The product is only ~$20 a can. Boat is still covered. I can't wait to try this stuff.