Tube Protection

[parm]

i hope to take delivery of my new rib soon and i was wondering about protection of the tubes. I have read on the forum about all the stuff you can use to get your boat clean again but what about protection in the first place? We use wax or polish to protect our cars + grp from sunlight, fading, dirt e.t.c. but is there anything we can use on the tubes to help keep them nice + new looking?

[John Kennett]

You're asking at the right time! Most people only think about it when the tubes are already dirty . . .

There's a long discussion here http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1913

I'd recommend the floor polish. Seriously.

John

[wavelength]

the floor polish is bril Shiney but not slippy-how do they do that?
"Klear" (johnsons I think) Asda sell it. Not my idea though, I heard about it from JW. need to clean it off with rib cleaner and redo occasionally.

[codprawn]

Armour all or similar from Halfords is great stuff - use in on vinyl seats as well - makes them a bit slippery though!!!

[codprawn]

Just read the last thread - was rather dubious because not all the products are goind to be the same - chemically speaking that is.

Came across this one that seems to be just what the others are on about

http://www.masterclean.com/janitor2.html

"ENHANCE SUPER
Enhance Super is a high solid emulsion floor dressing formulated to give a high gloss, hard wearing and scuff resistant finish. Suiting the needs of the modern floor maintenance. For use on vinyl, PVC, Linoleum, rubber, thermoplastic, sealed cork, sealed wooden floors. Use SHINE & BUFF floor maintainer between polishes to keep floors in perfect condition."

Best thing is it is only £7.5 for 5 litres - and they have on line shopping - will order some ASAP!!!

[SOLENTER]

I personally would not use a solid emulsion on a rib
on floors it will shugar in time then try to remove it
NO NO NO........................................NO

[Chopppywaters]

armor all doesnt protect though does it?>

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

armor all doesnt protect though does it?>

It SAYS it does....

[LURCHER]

Johnson Eternum we use on our dance floors and our Ribs multi tasking again !

[paul tilley]

i have always reccomended 3m vinyl polish but am going to try some floor polish now that i have got my ratty old 5.4 avon on a pontoon berth and the seaguls love it .PS thanks rogue wave and pete yam seems to be going ok

[Pete7]

Oh yes forgotten about that escapade could you vet the seller next time and choose one that is a suck up cow

Interesting discussion about polishes and stuff, but surely the best option is to keep the thing under a boat cover and away from sunlight when its stored ?

Pete

[Rodan]

Do these give UV protection for the tubes though? Isn't it better to use one of the specialised creams which does offer this?
Armour All from Halfords is great stuff but you are right - slippery indeed! It does wonders on bumper trim on cars so will give it a try on the boat this winter. Best bit is coverage is really good.

[Mollers]

I'd be nevous of using household products as they could have a chemically damaging effect on the tubes and are not UV screens. I clean mine with dilute truckwash detergent which is wicked and must be rinsed as you go. Brings it up like new. Then spend hours applying Starbrite inflatable boat protector.

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Armour all or similar from Halfords is great stuff - use in on vinyl seats as well - makes them a bit slippery though!!!

So don't use it on your tubes!

ENHANCE SUPER
Enhance Super is a high solid emulsion floor dressing formulated to give a high gloss, hard wearing and scuff resistant finish. Suiting the needs of the modern floor maintenance.

That's the stuff

Originally Posted by GRUMPY

I personally would not use a solid emulsion on a rib

I would. I have. It works a treat!

Originally Posted by Pete7

Interesting discussion about polishes and stuff, but surely the best option is to keep the thing under a boat cover and away from sunlight when its stored ?

If you seal the tubes when they are clean it stops the dirt getting ingrained. I'd always recommend a cover though, and no amount of lotions or potions is a substitute!

Originally Posted by Mollulnan

I'd be nevous of using household products as they could have a chemically damaging effect on the tubes and are not UV screens.

It is this sort of fear that means manufacturers of marine specific products can get away with charging £10 for 750ml vs £7.50 for 5 litres!

Everyone makes their own choice, but I've not found anything that comes close to floor polish, at any price.

John

[Mollers]

My truckwash is £23 for 5 gallons!!! No Fear Gear! As for the other, If my tubes get wrecked i go screaming to Starbrite. I think Johnson and Johnson would laugh at me. A pint is £3, petrol is £5 a gallon, so £10 to give my Rib a bit of luvvin', no problem.

[parm]

Thanks all ive just ordered 5l of Enhance Super sounds the best and most economical so ill give it a go

[Milan]

Originally Posted by parm

i hope to take delivery of my new rib soon and i was wondering about protection of the tubes. I have read on the forum about all the stuff you can use to get your boat clean again but what about protection in the first place? We use wax or polish to protect our cars + grp from sunlight, fading, dirt e.t.c. but is there anything we can use on the tubes to help keep them nice + new looking?

Polymarine has a product and its fantastic inflatable boat finish used it myself and it buts a real glossy finish on the tubes dirt just wipes of

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

It is this sort of fear that means manufacturers of marine specific products can get away with charging £10 for 750ml vs £7.50 for 5 litres!


John

Couldn't agree more - it is like the idiots who buy lots of other branded products - Anadin instead of plain old Aspirin or Panadol instead of Paracetomol etc - the branded product costs £2.30 - unbranded 16p!!!! The only difference is a little bit of caffiene - so drink a can of coke!!!

A lot of nonsense is talked about "UV protection" - even bird crap has that!!! I know Armour All does but not a clue about the floor polish - to be honest until our short summer starts I won't worry and when it does I will make sure I use the best UV protector of them all - a cover!!!

Just a quick question - how long does the floor stuff take to dry and does it need to be kept away from rain etc until it has???

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Couldn't agree more - it is like the idiots who buy lots of other branded products - Anadin instead of plain old Aspirin or Panadol instead of Paracetomol etc - the branded product costs £2.30 - unbranded 16p!!!! The only difference is a little bit of caffiene - so drink a can of coke!!!

A lot of nonsense is talked about "UV protection" - even bird crap has that!!! I know Armour All does but not a clue about the floor polish - to be honest until our short summer starts I won't worry and when it does I will make sure I use the best UV protector of them all - a cover!!!

Just a quick question - how long does the floor stuff take to dry and does it need to be kept away from rain etc until it has???

Ok, so lets all varnish our tubes! Cheap, shite non-branded varnish of course. ...And I use Auto Glym products on the car. That must make me an even bigger idiot. Should I be using Vim and Mr Sheen on that aswell?!!

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Mollulnan

Ok, so lets all varnish our tubes! Cheap, shite non-branded varnish of course. ...And I use Auto Glym products on the car. That must make me an even bigger idiot. Should I be using Vim and Mr Sheen on that aswell?!!

No but fairy liquid would probably do as good a job!!!