The answer? STA-BIL 360 Marine is engineered to ensure that your watersport engines keep running for the long haul. How? Well, that’s why you’ve landed on this page in the first place. Read on to educate yourself on the ins and outs of the product that is made by America’s most trusted fuel additive manufacturer. It’s a captain’s best friend, regardless of the size of your rig.

STA-BIL 360 Marine Explained

Over time, fuel tanks in watersport engines expose themselves to corrosion, and it’s no wonder why. These vessels traverse over lakes, rivers, or any other body of water, presenting the opportunity for moisture to seep in. You don’t have to be an expert chemist to know that putting water and metal in the same environment is a recipe for rust. STA-BIL 360 Marine is manufactured with this fact in mind because both of these elements will inevitably interact. The fuel additive addresses this problem by protecting gas receptacles from water and removing moisture from the area.

But that’s only the half of it.

As previously mentioned, STA-BIL 360 Marine is a liquid additive, so its primary function is treating fuel in maritime machines. Whether it’s a speed boat, pontoon boat, jet ski, or a larger vessel, STA-BIL 360 Marine keeps the fuel in the tank fresh for up to an entire year. This point is crucial because most gasoline you find today is blended with ethanol, which contains naturally attracts water. Using the additive is one way to ensure that the fuel in your tank will not spoil or cause damage to your boat. Instead, it keeps the fuel fresh, and it’s available in four different sizes to best suit your needs.

How to Use STA-BIL 360 Marine

STA-BIL 360 Marine can be used every time you top off the tank in your boat. Just remember to pour the blue gold in prior to the gasoline to get the best results. Aside from this point, all you need to do is keep the correct additive-to-fuel ratio in mind. One ounce of STA-BIL 360 Marine treats 10 gallons of fuel, so that will give you a good idea when determining the bottle size you want to get. For example, the average jet ski has a 15-gallon fuel tank. You can treat the entire tank with 1.5 ounces of the additive. Using a little quick math, a 10-ounce bottle of STA-BIL 360 Marine will yield six total treatments before you need to restock.

STA-BIL 360 Marine FAQ

If you still feel a little lost at sea about the best ways you can incorporate STA-BIL 360 Marine into your routine, that’s quite alright. The following inquiries are shared between novice crewmen and seasoned skippers alike. Take a look to complete your marine fuel additive education before heading over to the product page by clicking the “Learn More” button beneath the italicized text.

Q: What happens if I add too much fuel additive to my tank? Will it harm the engine?
A: No. Overpouring will not cause significant damage to your fuel tank. However, it’s best practice to avoid making this a habit. Miscalculating by an ounce here or there, so long as it is not over four total ounces, is acceptable.

Q: Should I really use STA-BIL 360 Marine before every fill-up? Is it truly necessary?
A: To be blunt, yes, especially if you want to protect your investment. Boats live in a high-moisture environment. STA-BIL 360 Marine is engineered to protect your tank from corrosion and optimize the fuel in the process.

Q: If the color of the liquid in the bottle is no longer blue, is it still safe to use?
A: Yes. It is possible for the dye in the formula to fade, but it is still perfectly functional.

LEARN MORE

The post STA-BIL 360 Marine – What You Need to Know appeared first on Gold Eagle.

While both types of engines convert the chemical energy to mechanical energy or movement, thereby powering your vehicle, the process is different. The main difference is the ignition process. Diesel engines do this purely by compressing the fuel, while gasoline engines rely on a spark, initiating the combustion.

Another thing to remember is that cold climates are harsh on engines. Treating your engines with care will prolong their life.

Here are five things to pay attention to when caring for your diesel engine:

1. Avoid Diesel Fuel Gelling

After a long winter, its possible that your filters become clogged, restricting the flow, and disabling your engine. Fuel gelling occurs during lower temperatures.

Using a diesel fuel additive such as STA-BIL Diesel All-Season helps to lessen the risk of fuel gelling. This is important to have on hand, as you can never predict what the weather may do to your diesel engine. If, for example, you own a boat, you can have full confidence that it will run smoothly when needed if this product is on hand.

2. Regular Oil and Filter Maintenance/changes

Anyone with a diesel engine knows how critical regular maintenance is. The more you use your car or boat, the more upkeep you’ll have to do. Thankfully, there are many products on the market that can help with any problem or issue you need to solve. Depending on usage and conditions, make sure to follow the recommended oil change interval, get it serviced if possible, and ensure a long-lasting engine.

3. Keep the air clean and check the filters

As the air enters the cylinder, it must be filtered. You don’t want to have contaminated air wrecking your engine. Most engines nowadays are turbocharged, so when pushed to peak performance its more crucial than ever before to keep the engine oil and air cleaner.

Always check the manufacturing specified intervals and ensure that the filters are also changed. Proper care will lead to a longer life of your engine.

4. Use a Water separator

If you own a boat, you may know from experience that the engines fail due to sucking up water. When fuel is contaminated with water, due to poor maintenance or poor cleaning schedules, it leads to problems.

Check the fuel tank, drain and wash it regularly to avoid this problem. Even with thorough maintenance, it is hard to prevent water from contaminating the fuel in your tank. Use a prefilter or additive to avoid the risk of stalling or engine failure.

5. Proper Lubrication

If you love your engine, make sure you give it clean fuel, let it breathe clean air, and keep it free from contaminants and dirt. A diesel fuel additive will help with lubrication and is always necessary.

Products such as fogging oil help to prevent corrosion and wear on your engine. It protects the cylinder’s walls, pistons, and rings to prevent damage during start-up after prolonged engine storage, especially during winter.

Investing in your diesel engine and caring for it properly should be your number one concern. Value this investment you have made by selecting only products specifically designed for diesel engines.

The post Top 5 Ways to Properly Maintain Your Diesel Engine appeared first on Gold Eagle.

These eco-friendly alternatives are free of the harsh chemicals and toxins that can affect your health and even damage cleaning surfaces, and the good products are still capable of providing the cleaning experience consumers need.

Before you purchase cleaning products for any cleaning project or home maintenance need, do your research to understand the products you’re buying and the ingredients they contain.

Here’s an overview of the implications of using green cleaning products, a look at Gold Eagle’s line of green cleaning solutions, and a comparison of eco-friendly and not-so-eco-friendly cleaning products.

Why Using Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Matters

While you might be tempted to ignore eco-friendly considerations in favor of the cheapest or most recognizable product, consumers should pay attention to what kinds of chemicals and pollutants they’re bringing into their home via traditional cleaning products.

For example, a number of pet stain removers contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your pet’s skin, injure their eyes and mouth, and even harm the pet’s nervous system. Despite these serious potential side effects, it’s still perfectly legal for these products to be sold on store shelves. But no loving pet owner wants to clean up messes with chemicals that put their pet’s health at risk.

Similarly, toxic chemicals in cleaning products can endanger the wild environments you enjoy on a regular basis. Chemicals poured down a drain can infiltrate your local water system and persist despite water filtering and treatment options. Meanwhile, products used to clean boat exteriors, for example, can leave residue that is rinsed off in lakes and other bodies of water, introducing toxins into that environment and putting wildlife at risk.

Eco-friendly cleaning products are specifically designed to perform without creating these health and safety hazards, allowing you to clean to your heart’s content–without suffering from a healthy conscience.

Which Gold Eagle Products are Green/Eco-Friendly?

For consumers determined to increase their use of green and eco-friendly cleaning products, Gold Eagle offers a number of cleaning agents that can be safely used without posing a danger to people, pets, and nature.

303 Boat Wash and 303 Bilge Cleaner, for example, are biodegradable cleaning products that are safe for use on boats and in other marine settings. TriNova Pet Stain and Odor Remover and Multi-Surface Cleaner, meanwhile, are green cleaning solutions that can be safely used to clean and protect your interior fabric and carpet surfaces.

Gold Eagle also offers TriNova Dish Soap, which use safe, non-toxic ingredients for everyday cleanup and hygiene.

How do Gold Eagle Products Compare to Non-Green Counterparts?

The entire line of Gold Eagle green cleaning products features a wide range of alternatives to non-green-cleaning solutions. While the ingredients for eco-friendly cleaning solutions can vary depending on the intended use of the cleaning agent.

In general, green cleaning products don’t feature any bleaches, phosphates or other harsh, toxic chemicals. This makes them safe when exposed to children, pets, and wildlife. Green cleaning solutions are also biodegradable, meaning the chemicals won’t persist in a local water supply. Marine cleaning products should also be safe for aquatic use, with no threat posed to fish and other marine life.

If you haven’t used green cleaning products in the past, they’re a great way to promote cleaner indoor air while also avoiding potential pollution in outdoor settings. Invest your money and effort into earth-friendly cleaning solutions that offer the same quality cleaning performance as the products you’ve known and loved in the past.

The post Best Green Cleaning Products for Eco Friendly Cleaning appeared first on Gold Eagle.

It is possible to rise to the challenge posed by various sources of corrosion. As Mercury Marine says, “Marine corrosion is a fact of boating life, but you can protect your investment with diligence & proper maintenance.”

Certain kinds of corrosion can devalue your investment in a matter of months or even days. Many boating enthusiasts do not know what specific threats to look out for. Let’s shine some light on the topic.

Types of Corrosion

An article in Seaworthy discusses types of corrosion that boaters combat, including simple, electrolytic, crevice and galvanic.

Simple

Simple corrosion occurs when molecules on a metal surface bond with oxygen. The process is called oxidation. Moisture accelerates the chemical reaction. In marine applications, aluminum deteriorates into aluminum oxide, a grayish substance.

Fortunately, stainless steel and other coatings prevent oxidation. Simple corrosion in a marine setting is often very gradual. For example, simple corrosion of a bronze propeller occurs at a slow rate. So slow, in fact, that the process may not impact service life.

Electrolytic

In marine settings, stray electrical current quickly accelerates corrosion. Electrical shorts are often the culprit. Many of them occur in the 12-volt battery systems common on boats. When there’s a short, electrical current may flow through an underwater metal fitting. The resulting electrolytic corrosion can do serious damage in days or hours. Regular boat inspections and prompt diagnosis address the threat posed by electrolytic corrosion.

Crevice

Crevice corrosion is a threat to stainless steel used in marine environments. The “stainless” nature of the metal is due to its oxidized surface. Here, oxidation is actually beneficial, inhibiting corrosion. When moisture combines with a shortage of oxygen, problems arise. Unwanted leaks may lead to crevice corrosion in bolts and fittings.

Galvanic

Galvanic corrosion is a significant concern in marine environments. Different metals immersed in water essentially become a battery. A metal with more negatively charged ions acts as the anode. Ions flow to the less negatively charged metal – the cathode. The greater the difference in voltage between the two, the more rapid the loss of anode material. Galvanic corrosion is the result.

In a marine environment, serious galvanic corrosion can happen in months. Fortunately, the proper use of sacrificial anodes controls the process.

Sacrificial anodes – A sacrificial anode contains a metal lower on the galvanic table than the other metals on the boat. It takes the corrosive threat away from metal hulls and stern drives.

In many systems, different metals are bonded together into a single cathode using 8 AWG green insulated wire (ABYC Standard E-2). It’s important to check the boat’s sacrificial anodes on a regular basis.

Three metals are popular in sacrificial anodes. Aluminum anodes are often used in boats used in both freshwater and saltwater. Magnesium anodes are appropriate for freshwater applications. In the past, zinc anodes were common. However, freshwater causes a coating of zinc oxide that limits effectiveness.

Supplementary systems – Sacrificial anodes are not always enough. Sometimes, the area that needs protection is too large. Or, the voltage difference between the anode and the cathode is insufficient.

As a result, it is often important to add a supplemental system. A sensor delivers real-time data, signaling the system to increase the electrical current to protect connected metals. Mercury Marine’s MerCathode system is an example of a supplemental system.

Periodic Inspections and Maintenance

Professional inspections and prompt maintenance help you guard against corrosive damage. To protect against electrolytic corrosion, make sure your boat’s electrical system is in good working order. Reduce the potential for electrical shorts with a well-maintained battery system. Counter the threat of galvanic corrosion with sacrificial anodes and supplementary systems. Ensure they work according to spec.

The post Understanding Corrosion In and Around Your Boat appeared first on Gold Eagle.

If you’re eager for the upcoming boating season and are ready to freshen up your boat seats, these vinyl cleaning and conditioning tips will help you do just that.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Vinyl Boat Seats

Whether you’d like to tackle mildew or simply freshen up white vinyl, there are specific measures you should take when aiming to clean vinyl boat seats.

Cleaning white vinyl

You need to be very careful when addressing white vinyl — either opt for a solution of warm water and mild soap, or a cleaner that is specifically made for this purpose. If you’re trying to remove stubborn, heavy stains, 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner is an optimal choice. Avoid using bleach as discussed below.

Tip: Once you’ve cleaned your seats, apply a protectant to keep your seats looking new all season long.

Removing yellowing from vinyl

When you’re cleaning your boat interior, one of the most frustrating issues can be the yellowing of vinyl. To tackle this issue, you’ll want to use a vinyl cleaner that is specifically made for this purpose. Although some resources suggest using ammonia, this can damage the material.

Use a cleaner that is designed to safely clean and protect against future yellowing. The same is true for cracking. For both of these issues, 303 Clear Vinyl Protective Cleaner is your best bet. It also provides superior UV protection as an added bonus.

Getting rid of mildew

A buildup of mildew is not only unsightly — it can actually end up reducing the value of your boat. Unfortunately, mildew is a fungus. In order to kill the spores, you’ll need to use a fairly strong disinfectant. To start, mix a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar.

Although this quick and easy solution will address current mildew stains, it will not prevent stains from reoccurring. In order to take more effective proactive measures, you’ll want to invest in a mold and mildew stain cleaner that also acts as a stain blocker. We recommend 303 Mold & Mildew Cleaner + Blocker.

Can I Use Bleach on Vinyl?

Although it may be tempting to use bleach, this whitening agent can dry out and in turn, damage vinyl. While some recommend a diluted solution of water and bleach, there are plenty of products that are far superior — reducing your risk of damage and potentially needing to reupholster.

The same is true with any other harsh compound, including but not limited to concentrated detergents, waxes, dry cleaning fluids, solvents, and acid-based cleaners.

Regardless of the issue, it’s best to check your vinyl seats’ maintenance instructions. That way, you’ll gain insight into suggested best practices moving forward. If your seats are removable, take them off so that you can clean them more effectively — and always use soft cleaning tools.

It’s best to have soft-bristled brushes handy, as well as some spare sponges and/or dishcloths. This will reduce the risk of damage.

When in doubt, always opt for a specialized cleaner. For all of your marine needs, regardless of the application, there are effective products.

The post Vinyl Boat Seat Cleaning and Conditioning Tips appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Today, there are dozens of fantastic boat shows around the U.S., specializing in everything from luxury yachts to speed boats. If you’re looking for the best boat shows in 2019, here are five attractions to check out:

1. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Fort Lauderdale, FL is nothing if not a boat city. Situated on the water and deeply dedicated to all things boating and boat culture, Fort Lauderdale is the ideal home for the world’s largest boat show.

Covering more than 278,000 meters of space over seven locations, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the place to see Fort Lauderdale’s best superyachts, luxury yachts, and even exotic cars. Each year, the event draws about 1,500 boats, and upwards of $4 billion worth of kit and vessels. This is a perfect event for people looking to buy their first boat or for luxury yacht lovers.

2. The Providence Boat Show

One of the top 15 boat shows in the USA, the Providence Boat Show in Providence, Rhode Island attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Featuring a vast selection of fishing and cruising boats, as well as traditional sailboats and newer, souped-up racing sailboats, the Providence Boat Show is a great place to pick up equipment and services and look at some of the most beautiful boats in the world.

Boasting over 240,000 square feet of exhibition space, upwards of 280 exhibitors, and more than 300 boats, this is a great place to get your boat fix.

3. The Atlanta Boat Show

In operation for more than 50 years, the Atlanta Boat Show in Atlanta, Georgia is the southeast US’s premier boat show. The gathering offers a massive selection of boats, including cruisers, sailboats, houseboats, fishing boats, sporting boats, and more.

The boat show is also home to the largest Indoor Wake Park in the country. Visitors can enjoy fishing, sailing, and boating courses daily, as well as a host of vendors and other merchants.

4. The Mid-America Boat Show

Held in Cleveland, Ohio, this is one of the country’s largest indoor boat shows. It’s also recognized as one of the top 15 boat shows in the USA.

Offering more than one million square feet of hundreds of types of boats, this show lets viewers cruise past the newest, luxury sailboats, pontoon boats, ski boats, and more. The event also features speakers, presentations, courses, and just about everything else attendees would want from a boat show experience.

5. The Seattle Boat Show

Held each February in Seattle, Washington, The Seattle Boat Show takes place both indoors and outdoors in and around South Lake Union. It’s the largest boat show on the Northwestern coast of the USA and widely considered one of the best boat shows in the country.

Including upwards of 1,000 recreational watercraft for attendees to view and ogle over, the boat show also features displays of the latest boating accessories and more.

The Best Boat Shows of 2019

If you’re interested in attending a boat show in 2019, these five options are excellent places to start. Known for their expansive selection, beautiful items, and large attendee counts, these boat shows are perfect for boat beginners and experts alike.

The post The Top 5 Boat Shows in the US appeared first on Gold Eagle.

The joys of sailing are endless. Along the coast, there’s the experience of slicing through salty seas on a sunny, breezy day. There’s also the unforgettable pleasure of gliding along the glassy surface of an inland lake at sunset.

Enhance your sailing experiences this season by maintaining your boat’s “factory-fresh” look and feel. Enjoy a clean hull and a spotless deck. Keep your marine fabrics bright and water-repellent. Maintain the value of your investment.

Washing

When you wash your boat, you want to avoid harsh detergents and protect the environment. 303 Boat Wash is completely biodegradable and marine safe. The pH-neutral formulation is perfect for cleaning both fiberglass gelcoat and painted surfaces. Tackle dirt, grime, stains and salt. Protect against damaging UV sunlight.

Cleaning

You may have forgotten just how attractive your deck and hull once were. Use 303 Marine Citrus Cleaner & Degreaser on chrome, fiberglass, plastic and painted surfaces. Attack oily residue, greasy stains and plain old dirt. The innovative formulation is free of alcohol, ammonia and solvents. It is also UV-resistant.

Rejuvenate fabric and vinyl surfaces with 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner. It will remove soaked-in stains. There’s no greasy residue to contend with.

303 Bilge Cleaner & Deodorizer takes care of grease, oil, sludge and gas. It also eliminates mold and mildew. The environmentally-friendly formulation is marine safe, non-staining and phosphate-free.

Protecting

Every sailing enthusiast wants to protect their investment. Select the right protectants for use on everything from fabrics to fiberglass.

Marine fabrics

If you are familiar with Sunbrella, you might already know that they are the nation’s leading marine fabric manufacturer. 303 Marine Fabric Guard is the only product they recommend to restore water repellency to their fabrics. Sailing Magazine also recommends the product in its article, “How to Clean Everything.”

Shield your Dacron sails and other marine fabrics from Mother Nature’s assault. Protect them from pollution, bird droppings, spills, salt and other contaminants. Apply 303 Marine Fabric Guard to clean, dry surfaces. Restore stain resistance to “straight-from-the-factory” standards. The formula is safe for both synthetic and natural marine fabrics. Treatment will not change the color, breathability, feel or flammability of the fabric.

Use overlapping strokes to spray a surface until it’s wet. To speed application, use a brush or roller where appropriate. Use it when the ambient temperature is at least 70 degrees F. Apply in direct sunlight to accelerate drying and curing. Keep treated material away from moisture until fully cured. Since 303 Marine Fabric Guard is flammable, you’ll want to keep it and newly treated materials away from open flames, sparks and heat.

Periodically pour water on treated marine fabrics to test water repellency. Retreat as necessary.

Decks, hulls and more

For a clear matte finish with no greasy residue, use 303 Aerospace Protectant. Protect against the degradation of surfaces caused by the harsh effects of UV rays. Avoid fading and cracking while repelling grime and stains. To cover large surfaces, use a dual-action polisher. A rotary polisher is safe for use in experienced hands. Either way, buffing increases bonding and longevity.

Apply this water-based product to gelcoat, plastics, fiberglass, vinyl and rubber. Use it on vinyl boat seats to inhibit cracking and fading. It leaves a low-static surface that repels dust and other charged particles. It also resists sunscreen stains.

For a glossy, residue-free surface, use 303 Touchless Sealant. This new UV-resistant product works well on fiberglass gelcoat surfaces. Use it on plastic and painted surfaces as well. Save hours of waxing by using this touchless product. Simply spray it on and rinse it off. Watch sheets of water bead up on the water and stain-repellent surface!

Make this sailing season one of the best yet with the use of premium 303 Marine Products.

The post Set Sail with 303 Marine Products appeared first on Gold Eagle.

If your boat has been sitting in the harbor all winter, it could look less than its best right now. What is the best way to restore shine to your fiberglass boat?

Cleaning, Prepping and Preserving Your Boat

Time to get cleaning and prepare to have a good time enjoying the water! But before you go out and use just any soap, remember that the wrong products can have the opposite effect.

You also want to remove oxidation from the fiberglass boat. To do this, pay attention to the gel coat on the surface. The gel coat acts as special protection, both from the water and the sun’s UV rays. Oxidation of the gelcoat can cause your boat paint to look cloudy or faded.

Here are three tips for caring for your boat and choosing a product that prevents fading.

1. Regular washing and cleaning

If you skip out on the regular washing, your boat will see more wear and tear in the long run. However, don’t use just any soap on your boat. And especially do not use any old dishwashing detergent, which leaves streaks and residue.

Some folks use car cleaning products and soap, but this is equally harmful to the gelcoat. Only use the recommended boat wash products that will prolong the life of your boat, while getting it clean and ready for use.

2. Limiting sun exposure

One of the most harmful things to your boat is the sun. So keep your boat covered when not in use. Use something as simple as a tarp, if you cannot set your boat on a trailer under safe cover during winter.

You can also use products that have sun protection when caring for your boat. Protecting it from the sun is one easy thing you can do to ensure your boat has a beautiful, long life.

3. Using wax and protectant after cleaning

Try an additional layer of wax after cleaning. This helps to restore the luster of your boat’s original look and shine. It is also helpful for extra protection against overexposure to the sun.

Try a protectant spray like 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant. Besides being easy to apply and working fast, this spray is guaranteed to:

• Prevent fading & cracking
• Restore color & luster
• Leave your boat Residue-free

4. Choosing the right product

How should you, as a boat owner, choose a good fiberglass boat protectant? Essentially, it should preserve the gel coat and prevent oxidization. A solution or wash should not in any way harm the gel coat. It should be gentle on the surface, while tough enough to remove stubborn dirt and stains.

The good news is that it is easy to get the luster back, simply by cleaning, caring and maintaining your boat properly throughout the year.

The 303 Products Marine Protectant bundle was designed with marine enthusiasts in mind. It includes a cleaner, protectant, fabric guard and microfibre towels. It has everything you need for restoring the shine to your fiberglass boat instantly.

The post How to Restore the Shine to Your Fiberglass Boat appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Gelcoat Staining and Oxidation

Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays may the surface of the gelcoat to oxidize. The once glossy surface may yellow and/or turn chalky. The porosity of a gelcoat surface makes it more prone to staining. Bird droppings, algae and rust all stain gelcoat.

If the hull of your fiberglass boat is stained, you are not alone. It is common for gelcoat to suffer from oxidation and yellowing. Light oxidation dulls the surface, while moderate to severe oxidation causes a chalky appearance.

Mineral and organic stains can also attack your gelcoat. Those black streaks on your boat are mineral stains. Rust is another mineral stain. Organic stains result from a wide range of contaminants, including bird droppings, leaves, spilled wine and coffee. Tannin from decaying lake vegetation also stains the gelcoat finish on a fiberglass boat.

Gelcoat Restoration

Fortunately, it is possible to restore color and clarity to most gelcoat surfaces. Use a specially formulated residue-free, low suds marine boat soap that’s better for the environment. Common dishwashing liquid may contain sulfonates that are not good for your gel coat.

Cleaning and polishing

Clean your boat’s gelcoat as needed with 303 Marine Multi-Surface Cleaner. Remove localized stains caused by mold, algae, exhaust or rust. Degreasers in the formulation tackle soot and other pollutants. Remember that gelcoat is somewhat porous. Prompt removal of bird droppings and other contaminants is particularly important.

Lemon juice and oxalic acid remove certain stains, but use them with caution. Avoid the use of bleach, acid or acetone-based cleaners. They contain chemicals that can weaken your boat’s gelcoat.

Use polishing and rubbing compounds to remove modest scratches and defects. Always use the finest grit product possible. This is because these compounds remove microscopic amounts of gelcoat. You don’t want to thin the gelcoat any more than necessary. Use 303 Finishing Polish (Step 3) for fine 2500-grit scratches. 303 Polish (Step 2) tackles moderate 2000-grit scratches. For more significant defects, including 1500-grit scratches, use 303 Compound (Step 1).

A dual-action polisher will help you cover larger areas. It will also deliver more consistent results than hand polishing. Only use GFCI-protected polishers if you are polishing your boat when it’s in the water. Cover the surface in a cross-hatch pattern: left and right, up and down. Even pressure is important to avoid gelcoat “burn-through.”

Repairs are still possible when the damage requires more than the use of rubbing or polishing compounds. Boating Magazine discusses gelcoat repair.

Protecting your gelcoat

Gold Eagle’s new 303 Touchless Sealant is marine safe. Powerful UV blockers resist fading and yellowing. The silicon dioxide formulation lasts up to twice as long as traditional waxes. 303 Touchless Sealant imparts a glossy shine to fiberglass gelcoat.

It is so easy to use. Away from direct sunlight, simply spray it on your clean gelcoat, rinse it off and wipe dry. Simple buffing with a dry cloth like a 303 Ultra Plush Microfiber Towel increases surface bonding and water repellency. Periodically apply the protectant to simplify future gelcoat maintenance. If you prefer a matte finish, choose 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant.

The post Make Your Boat’s Gelcoat Shine appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Think of 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant as sunscreen for your boat. Also, consider it an essential barrier against salt and other substances.

303 Marine Aerospace Protectant

303 Marine Aerospace Protectant came to the market in the 1980s. It was originally engineered for aviation and aerospace applications. The formulation prevented discoloration, embrittlement, fading and other surface damage in high-value aircraft.

Equally as important is ongoing protection against contaminants. 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant combats the adverse effects of staining, salt, mildew and airborne particulates. It contains powerful UV blockers that are critical both in the marina and out on the water.

Uses

Would you enjoy the convenience of protecting many surfaces with a single product? 303 Aerospace Protectant is safe and effective for use on many materials. Gelcoat, vinyl, leather, rubber, plastics, carbon fiber, stainless steel and chrome are some examples. One reason you can use it on so many surfaces is that the formula is free of petroleum distillates. It is also free of silicone-based oils that tend to leave a greasy residue behind.

Use it on every type of watercraft, including speedboats, sailboats, ski boats and fishing boats. Protect everything from hulls to windows and from seats to sails. Use it on Bimini tops and boat fenders too. Use it on inflatable boats, wet suits, tires and visors. Get extra value from every bottle by using it on boating equipment, outdoor gear and apparel as well.

Application

Prepare for an application of this advanced protectant with 303 Marine Multi-Surface Cleaner. It tackles stains on super-durable stainless steel, delicate fabrics and everything in between.

Apply 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant to a clean surface, out of direct sunlight. Use a drop cloth to protect against overspray. Spray it on, and wipe the surface completely dry. If necessary, use a wet towel to remove any excess product. To avoid streaking, always wipe the treated surface completely dry. Buffing is helpful. It actually enhances bonding and repellency.

Maintain advanced UV protection with repeat applications every three to five weeks. The clear matte finish is perfect for many boating applications. When you prefer a more glossy finish, use Gold Eagle’s new 303 Touchless Sealant.

303 Marine Fabric Guard

Use 303 Marine Fabric Guard on marine canvas and other fabrics. When necessary, use 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner beforehand. 303 Marine Fabric Guard is the only such product recommended by Sunbrella. Restore that “fresh from the factory” water repellency. Use it on boat cushions, umbrellas, Bimini tops, boat covers, Dacron sails and much more.

Use this premium fabric guard and you won’t have to worry about all those water-based or oil-based stains. Keep the look, color and feel of your natural and synthetic fabrics.

303 Marine Mold & Mildew Cleaner + Blocker

303 Marine Mold & Mildew Cleaner + Blocker is a valuable addition to your arsenal of marine cleaners and protectants. It’s a key defense in warm, humid settings where mold and mildew can flourish. It’s particularly useful in tropical and sub-tropical environments. You and your fellow boaters will enjoy the clean, fresh scent of this bleach-free product.

The post Protect Your Boat with 303 Premium Products appeared first on Gold Eagle.