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As the new owner of one or the rattiest used AI's on the planet, I am no stranger to the UV coatings. I have tried everything from the Hobie boat cleaner, together with Hobie/McNett "UV Tech", 303, Armor-all, WD40 and the like.
In my experience, UV Tech offers no "better" protection or restorative powers over 303. To be certain, I put them to the test last week.
I coated 1/2 of one heavily weathered Ama with each product (and alternating bands on the other AMA), then I watched them for several days. (I rubbed in liberal/equal amounts of each UV product). Finally, I took them out for a serious sail.
The UV Tech is watery and wants to run and drip. The 303 spreads and coats the plastic more efficiently due to its thicker, lubricious formula. I get the feeling the same amount of 303 goes further and could be the less expensive of the 2 to use, if all else was equal. (I think the Hobie product is already more expensive/oz, but others can check this). If the UV Tech is truly being "absorbed" then it would also require a bit more to achieve full coverage.
Once fully coated, both sides look decent, with deeper color and some added shine. The 303 looks glossier though and once dried looks and feels more like a hardened, protective polish/wax.
After 1, 2 and 3 days of drying in the shade the UV Tech gradually loses its shine and depth. The 303 treated plastic still appears red, rather than pink.
I sailed and fished for 4+ hrs Sunday on the north shore of Oahu. Steep beach/surf entry followed by 2+ ft seas and eventually 3-4 ft swells for about an hour. It was sunny and hot. The boat was pounded most of the day and it was a very wet ride for me. Surfing downwind was fun, but edgy at times.
Landed, loaded and transported. After freshwater rinsing the boat at home I checked out the coatings.
They looked virtually identical, with perhaps slightly more fading in the UV Tech sections. You could no longer make out the distinct bands, but the 303 half showed a little deeper red on the really weathered tops of the Amas. Several days later (in the sun), the results are the same.
So I have to conclude that 303 applies, beautifies and protects a little better than the UV Tech product. I only wish I could purchase it in the larger bottles to save $$, but no one stocks those here. (maybe Lowes?)
My ride is an extreme example of what the intense sun can do to our plastic boats and sails. You can try this test on your own boat, but 303 is the best product I have found so far for treating and protecting my Hobie's aging skin.
So far, so good on the sail too.
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The Wind Is Your Friend...
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