jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 601
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Post by jerryk on Apr 17, 2023 14:55:05 GMT -5
So collectively we probably have about a million years of boating and boat ownership experience between us all, and I wanted to see what everyone thinks is really the Best Of the Best (BOB) products that you've found over the years. Best cleaners, waxes, polish, lures, reels, line, bottom paint, engines, whatever. Since most of us are in the throes of our spring commissioning or recently completed it, I figured your best recommendations might be worth sharing. I have one that really stands out for me, it is a cleaner called Krazy Clean made by MDR--this stuff just works, but it WILL take off any wax you were hoping would stay in place if you use it on your hull. I use it on tough spots on the hull like bird droppings and heavy black streaking, non-skid areas that get dirty, and it also works well on vinyl seats to pull up dirt and sunscreen. For wax I like the paste wax made by Collinite. I like Penn reels and have had some of mine for more than 25 years. And I like mono fishing line (call me old fashioned, but I like a little stretch to help absorb those jolts from bigger fish) and Stren is my favorite brand there.
What is you BOB product list, the stuff you always go back to, the stuff you always shamelessly recommend to anyone willing to listen, the stuff you'll pay a premium for because everything else you've used is junk in comparison? OK, go!
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Post by finatic on Apr 17, 2023 15:32:25 GMT -5
Smoove Pro cut 1000 for older boats. Turtle wax ceramic coating. Collinite is a great product but old school chit and way too much work. Shamino, or Penn reels, I like Shamino rods ,Grappler, terez. Garmin electronics. I like braid line but use an FG knot with a long leader of mono.
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 601
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Post by jerryk on Apr 17, 2023 16:08:59 GMT -5
I agree on the Shimano rods, I have a bunch of them paired with my Penn 209 reels and they have held up well for many years of trolling and are now my reef rods. In general I prefer fiberglass rods over graphite because the expensive rods just seem to snap in my hands for some reason. And I use the Turtle Was Ceramic too as a top coat to my Collinite wax, although I don't know how much protection it actually adds over top of what I get from the wax in the first place--but it is easy to apply. Garmin or Raymarine--I've used both and find both do a good job. But you have me confused on the Grappler and Rerez. I Googled both to find out what they are, and the Grappler is some sort of device that police use to end high speed chases by wrapping a net around the wheels of the fleeing vehicle, and Terez is a woman's legging and leotard brand that I don't think you are using (although I admit I don't know you that well finatic). Please advise what those items are and why you like them!
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Post by hookedup on Apr 17, 2023 16:56:21 GMT -5
Probably not fair that my boat is in a boatel, but after years of waxing I de-waxed and started using Rejex many years and several boats ago. Works well and easy to apply. Usually do once at the start of the season and once before putting up. I use non-dewaxing soaps, but if things get tough MaryKate On and Off, then Rejex again.
I had some custom made rods for the 8/0 Penn reels and they're great. Have Shamino and Penn rods and reels and I'm happy with them. Bought a few cheap rod/reel combos for grandkids (they seem to go overboard magically when they're young) and amazing enough the ones that didn't 'jump' into the water are still working. Now I give them to their boy/girl friends to use as it seems like the friends they find have never even been in a boat (much to my amazement granddaughter's boyfriend didn't know how to change a tire when she had a flat...They just graduated college. Don't they teach them any useful skills in college?).
I'm happy with Garmin, but I think I prefer Raymarine (what I installed on my last boat). I know I'm not happy with my Simrad autopilot, although their service department was somewhat helpful, they didn't get my problem fixed (autopilot tends to steer to starboard). When I get frustrated enough I'll probably put in a Raymarine as I know it will work well. I had issues with the Garmin autopilot saying that if the pump gets wet the warranty is no longer applicable. Damn...it's a boat and things tend to get wet.
I like your quest, Jerry, but as always, I could go on and on. I'll stop here and give someone else a chance to post.
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Post by finatic on Apr 17, 2023 17:14:45 GMT -5
Shamino, Grappler X or Shamino Terez. Sensitive enough to feel the bite of a small fish. But have enough back bone to raise a 100 plus pound Yellow fin.
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Post by fishnfool on Apr 17, 2023 18:39:33 GMT -5
I try lots of different products, sometimes I go back and forth between what I like best, but it often comes down to that particular job.
Just a few products I really like for a variety of jobs that are regulars in my repertoire.
I love Meguire's Mirror Bright 2 in 1 polish. I'm pissed Meguires did away with it forcing me to buy it from overseas resellers that still have some inventory. It really works like a charm on my top side and on the cars. Great gloss. The product Meguire's recommended which replaces it I don't like at all.
Marine 31 Mildew remover. I use it in the bilge, on sealant, on my other boats vinyl, to clean our patio furniture and cushions and i even use it to clean my house siding (painted Hardi plank). Stuff is amazing. I buy this by the gallon.
Starbrite deck cleaner.
Woody's Wax for non-skid and aluminum Ttop etc
West Marine vinyl cleaner.
303 Fabric protector. I use this on my ttop canvas, house furniture, cars carpeting.
Collonite vinyl/leather protector. I was turned onto this a couple of years ago. Works amazing on boat vinyl and lasts lo ger than 303.
Fluid Film. Again this stuff is amazing. I spray my boat trailer down with it, I spray the brake system, all galvanized hardware, winch and jack stand moving parts twice a year, battery terminals in the boat and cars. I also use it as an undercoating on our golf car and cars. I really use it on any metal or connections that are at risk of corrosion.
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 601
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Post by jerryk on Apr 17, 2023 19:26:42 GMT -5
fishnfool you have some good ones there. I 2nd your use of 303 for canvas and the Collinite vinyl wax I just tried for the first time last year (probably after seeing it on this forum) and I do like it. I'm hearing a lot of good tips from you guys, thanks!
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Post by EasyPeasy on Apr 18, 2023 8:23:55 GMT -5
fishnfool - some really good items - The Marine 31 is incredible stuff. When I first got my boat, everything on the T-Top was green, including the mesh storage for life jackets. It was a miracle. My vinyl is all in pretty good shape now having replaced the high wear items. I will look for the West Marine product and Collinite. Someone else said the Collinite wax is hard to work with and I agree, but the vinyl care product is worth a look. Good stuff here, thanks folks. Oh, and I never would've thought to mention Fluid Film - the stuff is gold! Never used it on my boat, but on my Jeep for beach runs in the summer and road salt in the winter. Nothing better. I normally do my own oil changes on the car, but now twice a year I take it to the local car wash/oil change shop and they let me go under the lift to apply the FF. Much better than jack stands and a creeper in the garage!
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Post by outtadblue on Apr 18, 2023 8:31:48 GMT -5
Like fishnfool, I too have tried a ton of products. I mainly use star brite cleaners and wax. I use shur hold buff magic for compounding. Also use marine 31 vinyl cleaner. I’m a big Garmin fan. I have run boats with all brands and I like the Garmin best. Mustad hooks mostly but I use some Frenzy circle hooks for snapper. Mostly mono for me. I use Momoi. I have braid on my spinning reels and it Momoi as well. I have Penn spinning reels, and Shamano and Avet conventional reels. I like Aftco fighting belts, gaffs, gloves and apparel.
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Post by footy3 on Apr 18, 2023 12:32:12 GMT -5
Sailfish boats!
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Post by schlnrnd on Apr 18, 2023 21:56:53 GMT -5
Yeti Coolers, Penn reels, Fenwick poles, BUBBA Blade knifes and pliers, Simrad electronics, Plano tackle bag and boxes, Salt Away, Whatever the hell brand my foaming soap gun is, Frabill fishing net, Kiddie fire extinguisher, Costa sunglasses, and Yeti stainless coozie....But under no circumstances is Bud Light ever allowed on board!
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Post by timing on Apr 19, 2023 8:16:45 GMT -5
...Since most of us are in the throes of our spring commissioning or recently completed it, I figured your best recommendations might be worth sharing. What is you BOB product list, the stuff you always go back to, the stuff you always shamelessly recommend to anyone willing to listen, the stuff you'll pay a premium for because everything else you've used is junk in comparison? OK, go! gelcoat - wash - woody wax wash & wax compound - moderate oxidation - Meguiars 67 one step compound-polish heavy oxidation - blend 3M heavy cut with Meguiars 67 harbor freight wheel and sheep wool pads sealant - rejex aluminum - woody wax stainless - never dull non skid - starbrite deck cleaner (if heavy fishing mess expected, will also do the woody wax wet-spread-rinse to make post trip cleanups easier) vinyl - clean - armor all multi surface cleaner protect - 303 misc surfaces - light-moderate - armor all multi surface cleaner heavy - better boating eraser pads (this cleaned up the in inside walls of the console nicely. compared to other nasty bleach stuff these pads have much less odor) bottom paint - petit hydrocoat bottom metals - interlux trilux33 for this seasons prep, i have done 0.0 of the above for the sf (plus 3yr motor maintenance todo items) been focused on 15' boat for early season back bay fishing good luck to all on prep projects be safe, joe
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Post by abouttime2fish on Apr 19, 2023 8:21:12 GMT -5
Heat gun for heat shrink connectors!
Put the lighter down and go to harbor freight now!
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 601
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Post by jerryk on Apr 19, 2023 8:33:52 GMT -5
Some really good ideas going on here guys, thank you. I'll have to check out a few of them. Rejex and Marine 31 for sure are in my future, although I haven't had a ton of problems with mildew so far, and when I did have some on fenders I used good old Tilex bathroom mildew cleaner to get them looking good again. When I run low on the 3M heavy duty rubbing compound and 3M Finesse-it polish I may try the Smoove Pro cut 1000 too. With a dark hull in sunny southwest FL I know it won't be long before the boat needs work again, although it will probably wait until temperatures drop again next winter before I did into it again (just too hot and humid to work on the boat with heavy polishing in the summer heat even early in the morning!).
It's funny how different people have different preferences on the electronics...I suspect the quality of the different brands is so good that most of them remain highly reliable and thus we get used to the interface and functions and form our own preferences that way. Clearly there is not a huge difference in quality or there would be some outstanding winners or losers.
Thanks for sharing guys, and tight lines and good boating to you all this summer!
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Post by footy3 on Apr 19, 2023 13:14:17 GMT -5
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