www.iFourWinns.com

The "real unit" does a fantastic job, but it will tire you out. I have used the Makita 9227C rotary for several years now, but it was always a borrowed unit. Just ordered a new one (kit) and it will arrive in a few days. So I will have my own finally.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Yeah, I have torn rotator cuffs (had the left side fixed a couple years ago, but the right side is still busted up) and by the time I got done, it was rather gruesome the way my right shoulder was crunching whenever I moved my arm ........

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Incase you haven't gotten one yet, try autogeek.net. Got a good price and good selection of pads there. I ordered a combo kit (DA & Pads) from there about 2 months ago. I've only done my truck with it. It made a big difference, but there were still some scratches I wasn't able to get out even using a heavier pad and compound. I'm also new to this "artform" so I went the DA route to save myself from myself. I have to say I love Porter Cable stuff.

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2008 H210SS VP 5.7 Gi/SX
2011 Ford F150 FX4 EB

The "real" buffer arrived yesterday. The kit shown is what I got, and it was cheaper than just the
buffer alone. I'm happy !!

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I've had one of those on my Amazon wish list for awhile now, but haven't been in a hurry since I've got the PC and I'm not eager to run rotary for the first time. I look forward to a usage report.

What pads are you planning to use?

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I'll use the pads that came with it. Wool pad for the application, and polishing pad for the removal and final buff. I have just used wool pads for the last 6 years for both applications, and it worked great. This buffer is a bit overkill for a bowrider, but makes it easier for all the area I have on a cruiser. But I will mention, any and all professional detailers in our area that I see polishing/waxing boats, they all use the same Makita buffer. FYI I got it for $169 delivered from Amazon. It's a bit higher today, but it will come down in price again. The 9227C buffer alone was $183 on amazon, and with the bag and 2 pads, I could not pass it up for that price.

There is some element of fear out there in using a rotary, but believe me , I am no expert, and I have had great results with this buffer over the years, that is why I finally got my own. You can dial it down to low RPM to learn, and then increase the RPM as you gain familiarity with it. It never bogs down , no matter what speed or how much pressure you apply to it, like some cheaper rotaries will. It's the last buffer you will ever have to buy, guaranteed.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I wonder how much more harmful a rotary would be on hull decals (graphics) compared to a RO.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I buff right over the decals and reg numbers with no problems. Just be sure to not apply too much pressure, let the buffer do the work. Your boat probably shines like new already, so you will not need to apply hardly any pressure. The pads are soft and fluffy and with just polish or wax on them, are not abrasive at all.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Cap'n,

Approximately how long would it take you to complete (from start to finish) buffing your boat?

My wife and I have always hand applied and removed wax/polish on our boats. I had always been to nervous to use any kind of buffing machine for fear of screwing up my gel coat finish.

I am pondering purchasing a polisher, learning to do it right and being careful with how I use it in the meantime. I have never used a polisher before.

Does it take much getting use to?

I hope to be boating for a number of years, so if using the buffing m/c yields a better polishing job over hand applying/removal and it is a time saver maybe its time I stepped up to the plate and purchase a buffer?

Mike.

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Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

I can wax the whole boat in about 5 hours. If I compound , then polish/wax, it's about twice as long. I suppose it could be done even quicker, but I am in no real hurry when I do it. I do it in sections, and not a huge area at one time. A beverage break and arm resting is required periodically. These numbers are for our 268, I have not done the 282 yet as it was done before we bought it. I suspect it will take about the same amount of time, and I really do not need to compound this boat, it looks good enough already just to polish only. I will use some buff magic on the stern, then wax/polish after that, as that faces the sun most of the time and needs a little more attention.

It is not hard to learn at all. I just borrowed a buffer from a buddy, and started at it. Just go with slow RPM at first, take your time , and gradually work your way up to a faster pace.

I did the 268 by hand for 2 years. It looked okay, but as it's age progressed , it was harder to keep it from oxidizing in the sun that it sits in for 6 months of the year. Once I componded the boat to get rid of any oxidation, then wax/polished it with a buffer, the boat looked noticeably better, and was easier to keep the shine maintained over the season. I would recommend you get a buffer, once you get accustomed to using it, you will wonder why you did not buy one sooner.

Just a tip that I use. I set up two ladders, and put a 2 x 12 between them for a homeade scaffold. That way I can walk the plank, and cover more area without having to move the ladder so often.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks Cap'n,

You're probably right, once someone commits to purchasing a buffer and gets familar with it (without messing up their finish) they're probably glad they did.

Our boat is being lifted out of the water for the season in 1 1/2 weeks. Guess I'll look for a good sale on buffers. Won't need one now until April 2011, so you'd think a good sale would come up in the meantime.

Mike.

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Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation