Boat cleaning

[PHIL]

Hey guys. I am picking up my new boat 20ft. c.c. sea hunt this Saturday. It has been sitting on a rack winterized for almost 3 years now. It's an 04. I had all the engine maintenance done already. I will be trailering this boat. When washing it, do I need to use Marine grade soap, or can I use regular car wash soap? Of course the people at West Marine say use boat soap. But is it a big deal to use regular soap and sponge? Can I use a brush on the hull or just a sponge? What about waxing? Sitting there for so long, I'm sure it needs a good waxing. Buffer or no buffer. I bought boat wax. Please be thorough with your answers as I am new to this and want my boat to look good and of course feel good. Thanx again for your help guys.

[Luna Sea 5]

since it has been sitting for quite some time, i would use the strong stuff from a West Marine.  ONce the boat is clean, you can upkeep it with regular soap.

[CapBob]

Don't know how bad she looks but as Nick said, you might want to start with either ON/OFF or Spray 9 aand then keep it up with regular cleaners.

Once you get her where you want her, Purple Power that you can get a Lowes in Gallon jus works great, think its around $4.99 gal

[PHIL]

Thanks. What about waxing? 

[The Broken One]

Thanks. What about waxing? 

http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=10942.0

[mchizhik]

I am a boat detailer by trade. D'oh, I know.
You need to get 3M compound, and a high speed buffer. ($23 Chicago tools model) Compound, then wash. You don't need marine soap, especially if you are on land.(marine soap is supposed to be "greener", but I doubt it)
 Dawn kitchen soap actually removes any of the wax you may have missed while compounding. It's what I use, and a little goes a long way.
After that, use a marine wax, as they seem to last longer under salty conditions than the non marine waxes. I hope this helps.