I've been told I need to use a sealer to keep my boat looking white and in good shape, that a wax alone won't do it. The product that has been suggested is the following (70 bucks). Any other options out there anyone can recommend?

http://www.fourstarproducts.com/gelcomise64o.html


Fiberglass Sealers
Unlike wax, a fiberglass sealer penetrates into the gelcoat surface, filling in the microscopic holes and crevices to prevent future oxidation. The sealer provides a barrier between the environment and the gelcoat, cutting off the chemical reaction which creates oxidation. Because it fills in the surface so well, a sealer can provide a brighter shine than wax. Sealers also provide a much harder surface than wax, so they last much longer and don't require frequent maintenance. Our Vertglas sealer lasts up to 10 time longer than wax. Vertglas is a copolymer sealer that lasts all season and stops oxidation completely. One nice feature of Vertglas is that you simply wipe it on and let it dry. Since it dries crystal clear and shiny, you don't have to rub or buff it off.

I can vouch for the sealer/clearcoat. Here in the midwest most of the lakes are mudpools, when I 1st got my H16 I used 800 grit waterpaper to remove oxidization.This restored the original lustre of the gelcoat and I went ahead and waxed hulls, bad mistake, the wax absorbed the mud from the lake and left a brown waterline down the length of the hulls.

Reading a post on this website led me to a clearcoat by http://www.poliglow-int.com/ What a difference, kit included wax-removal cleaner, wipe on poliglo let dry and you have an awesome finish. No more mud-stains, no more waxing and polishing, just re-apply every 2 years; tar, bugspots etc all just wipe off leaving that awesome shiny finish.

Greg:

Check out the following write up on marine waxes:

http://www.practical-sailor.com/marine/Best-Boat-Wax.html

I am planning to use the Collinite paste wax this year, but I will be using a buffer (which reduces the headache of a paste wax). You can find the Collinite here:

http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-fleetwax-.html