[IslandTime]

So there I was on my boat yesterday watching my fiberglass guy fix a few things. He mentioned that for $200, he would detail the inside of my boat. He even took his Makita 9227C buffer and polished out a spot for me. I was blown away at how the shine came back. Then I got to thinking- I can either pay this guy $200 to do this, or buy that commercial Makita buffer for $159 on EBay and knock it out myself. The only things I pay to have done on my boat are things I don't have the ability to do myself. If you have the chance, go check out that buffer- it was amazing! You obviously need to know about using a high-speed buffer so you don't burn into your fiberglass. My plexiglass windshield was scratched pretty bad, and he applied some light compound and buffed the scratches right out! I'm convinced that I need to own one of these.

[Bushwacker]

Was it a variable speed? I was told for different compounds & waxes you need the rpm range option? For the ocassional detailer Harbor freight tools has a unit very reasonable $60 or so but make sure yu buy the extended warranty on any of there power tools!

[IslandTime]

Yep, variable speed. I liked this unit because the guy working on my boat is a pro and works for a very reputable yard in town- he swears by the Makita, and I watched it work.

[captndaffy]

Originally Posted by BoatCapt71

So there I was on my boat yesterday watching my fiberglass guy fix a few things. He mentioned that for $200, he would detail the inside of my boat. He even took his Makita 9227C buffer and polished out a spot for me. I was blown away at how the shine came back. Then I got to thinking- I can either pay this guy $200 to do this, or buy that commercial Makita buffer for $159 on EBay and knock it out myself. The only things I pay to have done on my boat are things I don't have the ability to do myself. If you have the chance, go check out that buffer- it was amazing! You obviously need to know about using a high-speed buffer so you don't burn into your fiberglass. My plexiglass windshield was scratched pretty bad, and he applied some light compound and buffed the scratches right out! I'm convinced that I need to own one of these.

Jon, who do you use for Fiberglas?

[JUST-IN-TIME]

u can get a very good variable speed grinder at harbor freights for like $35
i have used it for my tile/marble jobs, works excellent

[Marcval56]

If you get a chance google shark hide. this stuff you wipe on a boat and it shines for three years