After recently undergoing a bout of forced unemployment, I've spent a lot of time detailing boats for noodle money. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to how things look, and I've picked up a few tricks over the last few years that help make a sport-fisher gleam.  
 
One little nugget involves keeping your metal and chrome brightwork looking shiny and new. Anything on board made of metal, including your outriggers, can sparkle like a new penny with just a dab of Meguiars Motorcycle All Metal Polish. Apply as directed on the label and use an electric toothbrush to work on the rough spots. This product quickly and easily removes oxidation from either chrome or polished aluminum. Keep on rubbing through two coats — the blacker it gets, the better it will look. For the third and final layer, put on a coat of Woody Wax or Rupps Aluma Guard. Once properly polished and protected, your boat's metal bits will bring you less hassle over the long season.

Walker Holcomb
Maitland, Florida