Anyone else tried Folex for vinyl cleaning?

[toyotafreak]

Some friends got a pair of custom Howards like 15-20 years ago and these things are still brand new looking. One of their habits is only using Folex carpet/upholstery stain remover to wipe down/clean the vinyl. I was starting on my second (maybe third, can't recall) deep clean with the stuff from West Marine (StarBright?) then remembered to try Folex. Oh my, this stuff is good. You can tell right away it's very gentle and after cleaning for three or four hours today understand it's the real deal. I don't believe our friends go over with 303 protectant but I might not be able to resist. Anyhoo, here's their website http://www.folexcompany.com/folex-facts/. I got a gallon at Lowes for $15 but everyone carries it. Used a $2 spray bottle and doubt the whole boat took more than two cups or so. Spray, scrub with bristled brush, wipe. Repeat until sweet.

[usarmy_chief]

Any recommendations on cleaning products for the Hull? This year has been an exceptionally dirty year in our river. We pull the boat every weekend and wash, but the hull is getting stained. Thanks.

[toyotafreak]

Chief, only thing we've done is wash, get residual mineral spots by wiping with vinegar, then a series of 3M or other polish/restorers, spot rub with some compound, then wax her up. Mcguires sure goes on and comes off easier than the 3M stuff. Can get several coats built up lickety split. Nice finish to a horrendously painful weekend :-)

[usarmy_chief]

Thank you. You have been a great resource all throughout the blog. I am still learning all about my boat, but I sure can see why you all love these so much.

[toyotafreak]

Welcome! And thanks for kind words. SOOO many better dudes around here, and many before! We'll get Pete back on line one of these days...the godfather...

Where are you at, and is that an SX?

[usarmy_chief]

SOETC066J900  2000 22X. I became intrigued with the boat story and needed to upgrade my 1988 magnum skier. I wanted something that would hold more than 6 people, but not break the bank. I got this boat out of NC. It is not without issues, many of which I am learning about through this forum.

We offer wakeboarding and waterskiing to disabled veterans here in the Washington DC area on a limited basis. We operate on the Potomac river from our property in Falling Waters, WV. Some day I hope to expand into a program catering to Disabled Vets, but that may take a while to do.

This boat runs great, most issues are electrical in nature. I currently have no power to the switch panel that operates the blower, bilge, horn, ballast pump and lights. trying to troubleshoot and use the boat at the same time. Rick has offered to have me send the DECC and panels to him for testing, but I am not ready to disassemble the dash yet.  Should be a very busy winter for me.