I like shiny things
bgary,
Here is the link to Main sail and his very thorough description on the hows and whys.
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/52772-tips-compound-polish-wax.html
He is very specific on what type of polisher and different compound, micro scratch removers and wax. Do not skimp on his direction and you will be pleased. I had though to begin with the 800 grit wet sanding as per his instruction for a really faded hull ( see photos). So I did a 3x4 section with 800 and then 1000 wet sand. I then did another section using just the compound and determined that I could skip the wet sanding. I bought the Makita polisher, all of the recommended bonnets, I used the 3M compound, then the Finesse It, and finally hand waxed with micro fiber rags using the Collinite fleet wax. It took me 2.5 days to do my 38 by myself and I was feeling very poorly ( sick). I had to work on though as I have a torn out kitchen at home which also needs my attention, so I had to get it done. I f I was feeling up to snuff I know I could have gotten it done in two days. I did one side in its entirety then moved my scaffold to the other and completed it. Once she is sp-lashed I am goping to get the 3" polished and do my decks, then she will really sparkle. I bought two of all of the wax and compound and finesse it, but used only one of each and had some left over. I will be returning the unused materials as they were expensive. I also bought two of each type of bonnet but again used only one of each.
Hope this helps and happy buffing to you!
P.S.
this guy Maine sail has some very informative and insightful articles on an array of boating subjects with excellent photo documentation