I just finished oiling the gunwales and refreshing the 303 Aerospace protectant on my less than 1 year old canoe. This was the first maintenance I've done on the gunwales but, I have been fairly regular with the 303 applications.

With every 303 re-application the question runs through my mind: does the 303 really do anything or am I wasting my time and money?

Is there some other magic treatment I have neglected? I want to practice good canoe voodoo.

I use it on the rubber roof of my travel trailer and the dash of the truck. I believe in the product. No leaks, cracks or discoloration is my proof. My truck & TT are parked in full sun.

303 AP really is that good. I'm an automotive detailer, and it is always in my kit, and among detailers, I'm no exception. There are products that would last longer than 303 on the hull of a canoe, but with regular applications, 303 is quite protective.

I'm also a believer. Once a year for me.

Good stuff. My patio furniture gets a coat as does my Watershed duffels. Besides, we all need to do our part to keep the economy going ;-)

School me.... what is this stuff and for what is it used?

drnatus: "School me.... what is this stuff and for what is it used?"

303 Aerospace protectant is a spray-on/wipe-off UV protectant. Its use is recommended in the "Caring for your Northstar" section of the Northstar Canoe owners manual web page.

Link

drnatus: "School me.... what is this stuff and for what is it used?"

It's primarily a UV protectant for vinyl, rubber, plastic, acrylic, finished leather, and fiberglass. I frequently use it to protect the vinyls and plastics of auto interiors when I detail. I, and other detailers, have also been known to use it to protect vinyl convertible tops, though I prefer to reach for other products for longer, more durable protection if it's in my client's budget. It's also very commonly used to protect seats and surfaces of boats, and many canoe manufacturers recommend it as a protected for their canoes.

I really like 303---makes my kayak look brand new. But it's expensive so I got some Novus Clean & Shine, $22 for 64 oz. https://www.amazon.com/NOVUS-PC-108-Plastic-Clean-Shine/dp/B000ABB1P2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525138674&sr=8-3&keywords=novus%2Bplastic%2Bclean%2Band%2Bshine&th=1

I haven't used it yet so I can't report on it. It had the best reviews on Amazon of the many polishes available for boats (except for 303, which also has great reviews).

I do find 303 quite slippery when loading the kayak on the car. That goes away after a while.

LilyPond: "I really like 303---makes my kayak look brand new. But it's expensive so I got some Novus Clean & Shine, $22 for 64 oz. https://www.amazon.com/NOVUS-PC-108-Plastic-Clean-Shine/dp/B000ABB1P2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525138674&sr=8-3&keywords=novus%2Bplastic%2Bclean%2Band%2Bshine&th=1


I haven't used it yet so I can't report on it. It had the best reviews on Amazon of the many polishes available for boats (except for 303, which also has great reviews).


I do find 303 quite slippery when loading the kayak on the car. That goes away after a while."

The problem with that Novus stuff you linked is that it has zero UV protection; it is just a cleaner.

mschi772: "

LilyPond: "I really like 303---makes my kayak look brand new. But it's expensive so I got some Novus Clean & Shine, $22 for 64 oz. https://www.amazon.com/NOVUS-PC-108-Plastic-Clean-Shine/dp/B000ABB1P2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525138674&sr=8-3&keywords=novus%2Bplastic%2Bclean%2Band%2Bshine&th=1



I haven't used it yet so I can't report on it. It had the best reviews on Amazon of the many polishes available for boats (except for 303, which also has great reviews).



I do find 303 quite slippery when loading the kayak on the car. That goes away after a while."

The problem with that Novus stuff you linked is that it has zero UV protection; it is just a cleaner."

Which is, after all, largely the point (UV protection) with 303.

drnatus: "School me.... what is this stuff and for what is it used?"

It's like SPF 40 sunscreen ... for your stuff!

Cant speak to canoe use.
Have applied to my roll-n-lock truck bed cover(made of Marine Vinyl) since 2001, stored outside. Not a crack in the vinyl to day.
To me, it seems to work well, don't know about the science part.

The problem with that Novus stuff you linked is that it has zero UV protection; it is just a cleaner. Which is, after all, largely the point (UV protection) with 303. "

Good point. I only paddle thermoformed kayaks, some of which have UV protection built into the material. I mainly got the Novus to polish out small scratches and restore the finish. Thanks for the reminder about UV.