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Sharkhide - Dealer recommends against it for mucky water

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rnusr01

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Hi Everyone,

Now before I get slammed about posting this because I know there has been numerous topics but wanted some feedback please. I spoke to my dealer bout applying this from the factory and he recommended not to do it. He has ordered a few with it and the feedback was not that positive.

Be cause the water is murky where we are and not crystal clear he got into some discussion about algae and was way over my head. My boat is in process of being built and need to decide quickly on what to do. I live in New England and the boat will be used in the CT river. Anyone have a bad experience or wish they didn't use the sharkhide?

Thanks
 
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In just over a year here ,I don't recall any negative comments about Shark Hide .

I had never heard of Shark Hide until this forum .

I had it on my first and I ordered it on my new order .
 
Sharkhide WILL NOT PREVENT ALGAE from forming, it only keeps the toons from discoloring further. You will still get and need to clean algae scum.
 
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And personally, I think your dealer is wrong. I've seen them with it from factory, and they don't look much different. But 6 months later they look much better than those without it. GET IT, I'm surprised your dealers against it, unless he makes money acid washing toons at end of season.
 
What Semper is saying is right in line with everything I've read about it.

I have polished my toons a couple times.  By hand.  It's a lot of work.  But, I've never used Sharkhide.  Both times, my tubes started to oxidize and I could see them start to turn dull within a week.  Within three weeks time, it was hard to tell that they were ever polished.

So, I'm going to be tryin Sharkhide.  We have murky waters here.  Murkey doesn't even start to describe it.  You can only see your hand about 6 inches under water in bright sunlight.  I would have to discount what your dealer is saying, or maybe you misunderstood what he was really getting at maybe?  It just doesn't make sense.  You should talk to him again about it to make sure you are both on the same page.
 
Go to Sharkhide.com and get the contact info. Talk to Clint, the owner, and he'll answer all your questions.
 
http://www.sharkhide.com/mpfaq.html

SHARKHIDE METAL PROTECTANT FAQ

Q: What type of metal will SHARKHIDE work on?
A: SHARKHIDE can be applied to Aluminum, Polished Aluminum, Diamond Plate, Copper, Brass, Steel,
Stainless Steel, or any other metal you want to prevent from staining and discoloring.

Q: Can you see SHARKHIDE once it's applied?
A: SHARKHIDE is virtually invisible on any metal surface other than a high polished surface. On a high polish finish,
SHARKHIDE when wiped on, can sometimes leave a slight rainbow sheen, like on a soap bubble. This will some what
lessen with a second coat and it also tends to diminish with time. ​
 ​
Q: Will SHARKHIDE work on painted surfaces?
A: Yes, SHARKHIDE can be applied to dull painted surfaces that are beginning to get chalky and oxidized. SHARKHIDE will prevent the chalky finish from
returning as well as bring back a rich shiny finish.

Q: Can SHARKHIDE be used on Fiberglass?
A: Yes, SHARKHIDE restores the appearance of old faded Gel Coat as well as sealing it off so it won't take on a permanent water line.

Q: Will Sunlight cause SHARKHIDE to yellow?
A: NO! SHARKHIDE will not EVER yellow or discolor.

Q: What will SHARKHIDE protect against?
A: SHARKHIDE will protect your surfaces from water (fresh, salt, brackish), acid rain, salt spray, humidity, alkaline, soot, and all road deicers (known at this time).

Q: Will SHARKHIDE keep Moss and Algae from growing on my boat hull?
A: NO!!! SHARKHIDE is a metal protectant, NOT an "Anti Fouling" bottom paint.

Q: How long will the average application last?
A: On things like Motorcycles, Street Rods, Aircraft and other things that see limited fair weather use, it's not uncommon to get 6 or more years of protection
between coats. On heavily used things like Big rigs, Dump trailers, Fire and Rescue equipment, you may need to re coat every 1 to 4 years. On boats that are kept
on the trailer, or on a lift, it's not uncommon to get 3 to 5 years of protection. If you leave your boat in the slip all season long, from the water line down, it may last
a month, or it may last a couple of years. There are just too many variables such as water conditions and content, as well as severity of marine growth etc.
But from the water line up, you can expect the same protection as any other boat.

Q: How do I apply SHARKHIDE?
A: SHARKHIDE can be applied by wipe, spray, brush, or dip, depending on the surface texture and desired finish. Generally speaking, for a smooth finish,
the preferred method is to wipe it on.

Q: What type of cloth should I use to wipe SHARKHIDE on?
A: A WHITE COTTON BABY DIAPER is the best cloth for the job.

Q: Can I use other items to wipe on SHARKHIDE?
A: Since we've not tested all other types of applicators, we can only tell you to avoid the following things. Lint, textures (such as Teri Cloth, or Micro Fibers),
dyes, detergent residue, dry cleaning chemicals, sponges or any thing else that will leave anything behind in the SHARKHIDE clear coat. Since a Cotton Baby 
Diaper has none of these properties, why not stick to that?

Q: Can I use a spray bottle or garden sprayer to apply?
A: No, they will not sufficiently atomize the SHARKHIDE and it will create runs.

Q: Can I spray SHARKHIDE on with an automotive type spray gun?
A: Yes, but SHARKHIDE is difficult to spray due to its thin viscosity as well as it's very rapid dry time. Practice setting your gun on a scrap piece of metal
so it doesn't leave dry streaks, or runs before you try it on your project.

Q: What temperature is it safe to apply SHARKHIDE?
A: SHARKHIDE can be applied at any temperature. Keep in mind however, the cooler the temperature, the longer it takes to dry, so it has more time to flow out
leaving a smoother finish. So in other words, you'll get a better finish at 50 degrees, than at 90 degrees.

Q: Can I apply SHARKHIDE in the sun?
A: Yes you can, but keep in mind, although it may be a cool 65 degree day, the metals surface temperature may be 90 degrees or higher. So try to avoid direct
sunlight if at all possible

Q: How fast will SHARKHIDE dry?
A: SHARKHIDE will dry to the touch in about 60 to 90 seconds in 75 degree temperatures. Faster in warmer temperatures, and slower in colder temperatures.

Q: Should I put a second coat on?
A: Although not required, we strongly recommend at least two coats. Since SHARKHIDE is a clear liquid, it's very easy to miss spots. With a second coat,
it's virtually impossible to miss the same spot twice.

Q: Can I put more than two coats of SHARKHIDE on?
A: Yes, you can put 3 or more coats on since SHARKHIDE is such a thin film. You can't put too many on.

Q: How soon can I put a second coat on?
A: You can put a second coat on immediately, however, it's better if you'll allow the SHARKHIDE to "Cure" first before a second coat.​
Q: What is "Cure Time"?
A: Although SHARKHIDE dries to the touch in just a few seconds, there's still solvents evaporating out of the finish. This can take as little as 2 or 3 hours,
or as long as 24 or more hours depending on temperature and humidity.

Q: Why let SHARKHIDE cure before a second coat?
A: If you allow SHARKHIDE to "Cure" Before you re coat, the second coat will not have enough time to dissolve the first, leaving you with a double build up,
which means longer protection time between re coating.

Q: Do I need to sand or prep the first coat before applying the second?
A: No. There is no preparation needed before you apply a second coat. SHARKHIDE is "Self Etching" (melts and blends into the first coat) so it will blend into
your first coat without layers or seams.

Q: Do I need to remove the first SHARKHIDE application before I reapply years later?
A: No. All you need to do is wash the surface with warm soap and water, rinse, dry, and apply the new coat.

Q: How do I maintain my SHARKHIDE finish?
A: Simply use a mild warm soap and water solution just as you would on your car.

Q: What products will harm my SHARKHIDE finish?
A: Any petroleum based product like gasoline, solvents, thinners, or any other product's that contain petroleum's, such as waxes and polish's. Also some acid's
and certain cleaners. Since it's absolutely impossible to test all product's for their effects on SHARKHIDE, don't apply anything other than a mild soap
solution and you shouldn't have any problems.

Q: What can I do to remove SHARKHIDE?
A: SHARKHIDE can be easily removed with Lacquer Thinner no matter how long it's been on a surface.

Q: How do I remove SHARKHIDE from a small area?
A: Simply saturate a cloth or paper towel with Lacquer Thinner and scrub it off.

Q: How about removing SHARKHIDE from a large area?
A: Put Lacquer Thinner in a quart spray bottle, set the spray nozzle to a fine spray, and concentrate the spray in about a two foot area. Continuously spray the
area without allowing the thinner to evaporate. Once the SHARKHIDE softens and turns to a jell, swipe it away with paper towels​
 
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MUSR01.... Welcome to the site.All of these replies are correct as I have sharkhide on my benny which I applied myself and I only boat in salt water and launch in the manatee river which is very dark and murky and we boat in the river most of the time.We do trailer so boat is not in water when not in use but after ten months of use no signs of discoloration.Glad to hear from another new Englander,we lived in Rhode Island for 59 years.Good Luck
 
I used Sharkhide protectant last year for the first time. My toons looked as good when I pulled it out in October as they did when I first applied it (after polishing them) in April. When I pulled the boat out in October there was indeed a film of algae on my toons but a power washer made short work of that....and I spent like 5 minutes using that to remove the algae....it was effortless.
 
Welcome to the forum musr01 Really a great bunch of people here!

I can not offer any advise on shark hide as I wood never use it on my pontoon! I am however planning to use it on my trailer.

Where are you in CT?  You can't be too far from me.
 
WoodenPontoon I am up by the CT-MA line. Does anyone have a new boat with the sharkhide applied that could provide a close up pic? I guess even one where it was applied after being cleaned. The other thing I forgot to mention was that you see swirl marks according the dealer I spoke to.

Thanks
 
Freshly applied at the factory just over a week ago .





 
Kaydano and Jack thank you very much for your input, Thanks to everyone. Looks like I will be calling him up to add this. Those tubes look great.
 
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Like above I'd highly recommend Sharkhide.  Had it installed at Bennington factory on my new toon because I know from experience how quickly the aluminum gets discolored without it.  My boat was the first factory applied Sharkhide job my dealer had seen and he was sold on it after seeing it.  The aluminum surface is like smooth glass and holds the new look for a long time.  You won't be sorry to have it done.
 
We got it on our new boat last fall and it came in with one that was for the showroom that didnt when I took my boat up for the 20 hour service the boat without the sharkhide was already looking like a 5 year old boat. Mine still looks new. the bracket where the live well pump is did not get sharkhide on the inside by the pump and you can see the difference. Go with the sharkhide.
 
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