Cabin Sole product

Rick Berman · September 17, 2011, 09:00:11 AM

What's the latest these days on a product to finish the cabin sole. Ron, I think I read you recently used minwax? if so, exactly which one? I've heard Minwax Schooner or Minwax Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors...thoughts? Number of coats? Gracias!

Stu Jackson · September 17, 2011, 10:07:53 AM

We just did ours with the Minwax Polyurethane. Seems a tad thin after three coats, but it looks great. But there are dozens of products out there. There is no ONE right answer for you.

Ron Hill · September 17, 2011, 01:11:12 PM

Rick : As Stu said there are numerous products out there.
I like polyurethane semi gloss. I tend to stay away from the fast drying and use the "regular".

mel low · September 17, 2011, 08:53:07 PM

I used Minwax Helmsman clear satin and they turned out great. I put 5 coats on.

Rick Berman · September 20, 2011, 09:06:43 PM

Gracias y'all!

John Langford · September 23, 2011, 04:27:50 PM

As a followup question, does anyone know if the sole of the MkIIs is sprayed with water-based varnish of some kind? I know that water-based varnish is used on the woodwork but I am not sure about the sole.

Roc · September 24, 2011, 08:55:14 AM

John,
I would contact Catalina and find out what the actual product was used. I think in the manual that you get with the boat, they say the interior woodwork is finished with Target Coatings product. Maybe the paperwork you got with the boat talks about the cabin sole finish used. I called Target Coatings and bought a quart of the actual stuff. Once you find out the supplier of the cabin sole finish, you can contact them and get the actual product. In the end, getting the right stuff makes the job easier with good results.

Les Luzar · September 28, 2011, 05:09:03 PM

Is there a reason (other than price) that Minwax was used on the sole as opposed to a standard marine varnish?

Ron Hill · September 28, 2011, 05:48:08 PM

Les : Min Wax is easily available to purchase at Lowe's or Home Depot. Also the price is right - for me.

Ted Pounds · September 29, 2011, 07:33:08 AM

Ron, do you get your 10% veteran's discount at Lowe's? I used to get it at Home Depot too, but they stopped it (except on Veterans' Day and Memorial Day). The discount at Lowe's saved me a ton of money when I was remodeling our place in Maine.