Axis Wakeboard Boat Forum

I have a 2011 A20 that was purchased new this year. I have a few questions about care etc. I have had a previous boat (2008 Bayliner 195) but am not that knowledgeable about boat maintenance and care etc.

The boat has been winterized and had the engine and transmission oil changed by the local shop. That is the only oil I needed to have changed? The boat is at 40 hours. The shop said to have the impeller changed next year if I am doing 40/50 hours a season.

As for cleaning, I washed the boat, then wiped the exterior with Hot Sauce. What should I do for Wax? Boat Bling or something else and if so, what type of wax is best? Should that be done now or in the spring. It is around 40 degrees here now so I am not sure if its too cold to be waxing it.

As for the vinyl, I was planning on using magic eraser with Totally Awesome to clean the seats and vinyl. I also have Vinyl Sauce available. I applied 303 protectant when I purchased the boat. After cleaning the vinyl I plan to redo them again with the 303.

The swim platform seems to have become stained, what is the best for cleaning the swim platform pad? Is there an after market option if I wanted to change it?

There are some minor scuff marks on the gel coat, mostly where the bow hits the roller when loading the boat onto the trailer that I cant get out with just hot sauce and a rag. I have 3M rubbing compound, should I use that and then 3M Finesse-it after the rubbing compound or do you guys have a better suggestion?

I also have a a very small stone chip which is through the gel coat to the fiberglass I am guessing. Is that a major concern to have fixed or not a worry? It is under the boat and cant be seen otherwise.

Is there any maintenance I need to be doing with the trailer? I tow the trailer 10-20 times a summer 30 min each way.

Thanks

That post could have been written by me - exactly. Looking forward to answers.

NEVER use Magic Eraser.

Just not on the vinyl or the gel coat as well? Why is that?

Anyone else have any help on the other points?

It's abrasive. There are other cleaners out there for vinyl and if those cleaners do not get any stains out, just let the sun bleach them out. If the cleaners and the sun do not get out the stains then they're set. You could then use Magic Eraser but it basically scuffs the stain away then that area will discolor compared to the rest of the vinyl.

As for using Magic Eraser on the gel coat, I couldn't imagine what you're trying to remove with it that a liquid cleaner can't clean.

Magic erasers only have bleach in them as far as I know. My dealer has been the Malibu dealer since I can remember and he has used the erasers since they have been out. You can not leave the eraser sitting on the Vinyl. The vinyl will absorb the bleach and discolor it.

Meguiars makes a product called Flagship New Boat Owner's Kit. It works as advertised. There are also tons of threads out there on this subject, plenty of good information to read through for the best methods and routine. I also use marine specific vinyl cleaner although I'm sure any vinyl cleaner would work just fine.

Here is some more good info:

http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=792156

Magic erasers do the trick, but they will end up killing your vinyl. May not be noticeable at first, but it will harden and crack over time. Use a vinyl cleaner/conditioner and leave out in the sun if that doesn't work. I have a friend who left a vest on sunpad. It ended up sticking to the vinyl and when he removed it, the logo was imprinted on vinyl. Over the summer it's gotten to the point that you can barely see it.