I have tried several. I do like Meguiars Flagship, 3M's Polish-Cleaner (I like everything from 3M), Collonite, and Starbrite Teflon.

I really can't tell whether one is any better than another; but the Starbrite Teflon seemed to me that it flowed on the best, and the Meguars seemed to be the most "shiney". I think if you apply it properly, any of them seem to provide good results. And I have not seen where Collonite has yellowed at all, as some say.

I just came into possession of a sample bottle of IMAR Yacht Polish - has anyone tried it?

It came in a sample kit with several different bottles of stuff, including Strataglass Protective Cleaner and Strataglass Protective Polish - which is why I purchased the kit, so I could to treat my new Strataglass vinyl windows on the enclosure curtains I am making.

There is not enough of the boat polish (excuse me: Yacht Polish - got to keep those terms in order) in the sample to do the entire boat, so I'd have to buy some more. But the going rate is about $17, which is ballpark with the rest of the competition.

Polish as in mild shiner, with no UV protection?

Or wax with some mild cleaner or surface preparation product within it?

Its called a polish, but it has UV inhibitors in it, and by its descripton, it seems to be a cleaner-wax type of product.

Its also a funky green.

http://www.imarsales.com/

Polish/shinner with alot of UV?

It sez...

IMAR Yacht Polish is forumalated with a unique blend of polymers to clean, polish, shine and protect fiberglass, gelcoat, metal, paint, and other marine environment hard surfaces. IMAR Yacht Polish safely removes light oxidation and other common marine environment marks and stains while the molecular bonding and UV inhibitors create a protective barrier virtually impervious to further UV damage, soil, black scuffs, insect droppings, mildew and other stains.

I love Meguiars #45 Polish for my boat followed a wax application.

I've always been told that a polish is not a protectant unless it's a combo polish/wax. I don't believe in those products.

To me the best way to care for the gelcoat is to use a dedicated product for each applilcation step.

Al, if you ever get a chance, try some Nautical Ease. Strip the old polish/wax with Dawn, and do a double application the first time. You'll love it...

+1

http://www.nauticalease.com/products/ultimate.htm

I won a bottle of this stuff at a Crownline rally. Very easy to apply and had a super shine. Also did a nice job on some faded gelcoat. Sells for $15.99

Do these folks make their own stuff like Meguiar's and 3M do?

As far as I know Seabuddy, yes.
There's lots of different ways to skin this cat, but I've always been happy with their products...especially their polish and water spot remover.

Some make private label stuff of another brand's formula, some "own" their formula, but have someone can it for them, others own the formula and can it in their own cannery/factory.

About two coats is all I have strength to do on my boat. It looks awfully large out of the water.

I better understand what you're asking now Seabuddy. My answer is then I don't know.
On another note, the owner was asked by a friend of mine if it is just relabeled Nu-Finish, which it looks and smells a lot like, and he said no it wasn't and that it had much more uv protectant in it...but I guess that's the answer you'd expect!!

I do not know if it matters to everyone.

I agree, Al. Now if I could just find someone to do this for me (for free!) then I might experiment more.