Hobie Protectorant

I decided to lash out and buy some of the expensive Hobie spray on stuff with my new Revo 16/15.

Some say it's just Armour-all with a different label but I don't know if that is true, it does not look thin and milky like Armour-all when applied.

There was enough in the bottle to do the whole kayak liberally. I applied it in the sun and let it sit for hours before wiping away the excess. It does give a very nice shiny-ness especially to the darker colors and the Black Vantage Seat, rudder, hatches, skeg etc.
I can say it does form a dry, slick, shiney coat that resists dirt etc sticking, especially the non-slip cockpit walls which are granular and can get grimey if not maintained.

Twice this week I have been in Scummy creeks and my boat came out with a green scum line around it. This stuff really sticks and if you let it dry out it takes work to remove.
So I used my usual soft plastic dish scourer because a sponge will not remove this filth easily. I was concerned that it might wash the Hobie Protectorant off but the scum washed off more easily than without protectorant and the surface looked well coated with no loss of my expensive application.
I had applied it to the Sidekicks as well, (which have a rough surface and can get really grotty) and they also were coming perfectly clean.

You can see it working because the water Beads on the Kayak and Sidekicks, it literally runs like off a Duck's back.
Using the protectorant on your new boat before you first sail it is a smart move in IMO, especially the sail which is so much easier to clean if coated before use.
If you wish to apply it to an existing boat wash it and the sail with a car-brush and mild soapy warm water. let it dry thoroughly for a day. After you have applied the protectorant you're ride will look almost new again
You should re-apply maybe once a year and you will not need as much as you did on the First application.

I wish I had of done this to my previous Three Hobie's, not real cheap but you're $3000 boat is worth it.

Plastic Pirates: https://www.facebook.com/PlywoodPirates

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Fair Skies, Max.

The Hobie protectant and Aerospace 303 seem to me, to be the same product.....they are not Armour All.
As you found, the protectant does a good job bringing back the original color of the kayak and makes clean up easier.
The protectant makes the surface very slick, so be careful on surfaces you stand on.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I compared the Hobie Protectrant against 303 several years ago. They are similar, but not the same product or manufacturer. Each product was applied to 1/2 of an Outback for a side-by side comparison. The Hobie Protectant was slicker and lasted longer. Here's the link to the test if anybody is interested.
viewtopic.php?f=69&t=20014&p=93682&hilit#p93682

There is nothing wrong with 303 if that is what you have or prefer, but between the two, the Hobie Protectant is superior in terms of slipperiness and durability.

I spray on lightly, spread evenly with a damp cloth and let it dry. There is nothing to wipe off or remove and the bottle lasts a long time. It's very slick so I keep it out of the cockpit (except to dress up hatch lids). Excellent product!

Using the Retrospectoscope I prolly put too much on, but better than not enough.

I used 303 on my Aeroplane and my AI Sail and it was good but felt different, not as "Waxy" as the Hobie stuff.

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Fair Skies, Max.

It's certainly not Armor All. I tried Armor All on our Jeep's fenders. They were gray and oxidized. It did not work well and they looked only slightly better. They went back to gray in a matter of weeks.

Then, more recently, I used some of the Hobie UV Protectant on the fenders. Oh my god... I kid you not...this stuff is amazing! I was actually shocked at how great it worked. The fenders are a rich dark black again.

The product is a vinyl and plastics rejuvenator, it's not just a coating. It soaks into the material itself "Replaces lost plasticizers".

UV blockers protect surfaces from sun damage and color fading
Conditions and seals plastic, vinyl, rubber, nylon, fiberglass and more
Prevents rubber from drying or cracking
Replaces lost plasticizers
Improves appearance, enhances color
Non-toxic, eco-friendly formula
Made in USA

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Well there we go with the actual break-down.

I also tried it on the door rubbers of my car and it gave a thicker coat and patina than armour-all and lasts months longer.

BTW, I am not miss-spelling, we English speakers spell stuff like, "Harbour" that way, the Americans, pragmatic as ever, just removed the unnecessary bits

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Fair Skies, Max.

I had to look up the trade mark name for it!

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

helpful thread thanks.

I'm pretty sure I know what it is. If you google Matt's description of it you will, too.

But even if you don't, rest assured that Hobie's price is pretty much the same as the MSRP.