A good buffer in the wrong hands is asking for disaster. Being that the rig is new, thoroughly wash then apply a top marine sealant like Mequires Flagship by hand. Once a year for the sides, twice for the front cap.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter
If you're going to buy a buffer, buy a high speed buffer not an orbital. The orbital buffer won't get the scratches out, they only save on the arm power.
IMO, if a person is not familiar with a high speeed buffer he/she can burn the finish or decals. That is why many of us recommend a random orbital buffer as it is easier on the finish and won't leave swirl marks. I have used an orbital buffer for many years on my vehicles without issues.
+1 to what Ras said.
All these years I've been using my Porter Cable I thought the various pads and polishes were what took care of the scratches, not the buffer itself. Hmmm.
If that were the case why wouldn't body shops use orbital buffers?
I don't know if every bodyshop in the universe uses only high speed buffers. I do know my random orbit Porter Cable with various pads, polishes, waxes and sealants gives the paint on my vehicles a deep, smooth, shine.
2011 GMC 3500 Dually
New to me 2006 Jayco Designer 38RDQS
2 Boxers and a Maine Coon
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