Boat Wax or Car Wax?
We need some answers!

When it comes to finding the best boat wax or the best auto wax, we as consumers are forever at the mercy of marketing. While I know plenty of people who simply use car care products to care for their boats, this does not mean they don't question as to whether these are the best products for their boat. I am often asked professionally if there is something to those products labeled as "marine grade wax", or RV grade waxes. Not only have we been buried with choices when it comes to the best in car waxes and car polish, but the same frustration and confusion exist amongst boat owners simply looking for products that work. Follow along as I take you along and teach you what works and what doesn't that comes straight from the world of professional auto detailing.

We Need Some Answers Darren!

• Do I really have to wax my boat


• Is there such a thing as marine grade wax?


• Which wax does the Expert recommend?

Do I Really Have to Wax My Boat?

Yes, you do have to wax your boat; at least if you want to maintain the beauty and shine of your boats gelcoat finish. Just like cars, boats need protection also. Boats are require to endure the abuse of wet conditions whether this means sitting in the fresh water lakes, or the salt water of ocean use.

Is There Such a Thing as Boat Wax?

Yes and no. There are plenty of specially packaged and labeled boat and RV waxes, but perhaps the more important question to ask is do you have to use one of these "special" boat waxes?And the answer to that is "no"! If it were up to the many manufacturers of car care products, we would all have garages full of specialty waxes and polishes. But the reality is that the same products you use for your cars, can also be the same products you use on your boat and RV's. If you insist on being a casualty of marketing, then by all means, go get yourself some specially formulated boat wax or RV wax. Complete with "special" labeling and "special" packaging. But if you are looking to simplify your life instead of complicate it, then read along and become the numbered few who can call themselves the informed.

Boat Wax Tips from the Expert

I have been detailing boats as long I have been detailing cars, and while there are many differences, many of the products I use on cars, are the same products I use on boats and RV's. And when it comes to protection and visual enhancement, the good news is that anything that works on your cars will work on your boats. By understanding the different wax products, you will better be able to match the right product up to the right job. Just like having the perfect tool for the job, having the correct wax product will get you better results both in the short term, and the long term!

Knowing the Difference

When it comes to the best boat wax, you need only concern yourself with the 2 following forms of wax products:

Liquid Polymers

Meguiar's Liquid Polymer #20 Sealant

Meguiar's is one of my favorite for the simple reason that they make products that work. They also have a very comprehensive line of car care products. While the products I recommend from Meguiar's represent barely the "tip of the ice berg" as far as available choices, I do so because as I have said many places within the pages of this website, their products are readily available, and they perform!

• Perfect for those looking for maximum protection and durability.
• Great for those large like boats and RV's.
• Also great for car owners who are looking to wax less often, rather than more often.
• Recommended for paint, fiberglass, or gelcoat that is in good to excellent condition.

Nu Finish Car Polish

Nu Finish car polish is a perfect example where the industry can't seem to be consistent. This product really should not be labeled as a car polish at all, but strictly a sealer. It has no chemical or abrasive cleaners to it at all. Which is O.K. for our purposes, as we are looking for maximum protection only. The reason it should be referred to as a sealer versus a wax, is due to the fact that sealers are just that unless they have been blended with some form of wax ingredient.

• A good product that is also available in many retail outlets.
• Perfect for those looking for maximum protection and durability.
• Great for those large like boats and RV's.
• Also great for car owners who are looking to wax less often, rather than more often.
• Recommended for paint, fiberglass, or gelcoat that is in good to excellent condition.

Spray Wax

Spray waxes are the perfect balance between the 3 areas of concern for any car wax product; protection, ease of use, visual enhancement. I am a huge fan of the modern day spray wax products! Not just for use on cars, they also have purpose when it comes to boats. It just doesn't come any easier than a quality spray wax to enhance your boat prior to launch, or at the end of the day right after wipe down before you return it to its resting place. These products add an additional layer of protection, while enhancing the beauty of your boats gelcoat.

Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Wax

I am a huge fan of this product as any of my regular readers of this site knows. I persoanlly use this professionally, as well as on my own cars.

• Would be hard to find an easier product to use.
• Use regularly as a quick way to enhance the beauty of your ride, while extending the polymer sealant.
• Use just before you launch your boat, or just after the wipe down at the end of the day.
• Makes a good boat wax, makes a good car wax.

Mothers Spray Wax

Mothers is another mainstream product line with many quality products. Their version of spray wax is par with any other manufacturer. If you happen to already be a loyal fan of the Mothers line up of products, then you likely will want to choose this version.

• Also an incredibly easy product to use.
• Use regularly as a quick way to enhance the beauty of your ride, while extending the polymer sealant.
• Use just before you launch your boat, or just after the wipe down at the end of the day.
• Makes a good boat wax, makes a good car wax.

Now you can consider yourself as part of the select few called the informed. Yes, there are many products labeled and marketed as specialty RV and boat wax, but now you know a simplified approach to keeping the value and beauty of your boat.