If you’re a boat owner the boat you own is likely one of your most prized objects. Making sure your boat is in good shape is a priority to ensure the security of your investment. You need to know how to wash your boat to make sure it is in the best shape it can be.
The art of cleaning a boat boils down to the basics of boat maintenance. You’ll need the tools used for routine cleaning: Microfiber cloth, stain remover, vinyl cleaner along with a soft bristle tool, and a few more tools to keep it well-maintained.
Cleaning and maintaining a tidy boat can extend the life of the equipment aboard, allowing you to be able to enjoy your boat longer and make a profit when it’s time to trade it in for another vessel. Let’s review a few aspects you’ll need to keep at the forefront when considering how to keep your boat clean.
First off, make sure you have all the necessary boat cleaning products on hand to get the job done properly. After all, there’s nothing more disappointing than putting in hours to find out you’ll need to repeat the process again, or worse even if the boat has been damaged.
Essential equipment and items you’ll need
- Soft bristle brush
- Leather shammy, towels, or dry rug
- Boat wash (Phosphate free)
- Fiberglass polish
- Boat wax
Begin by tapping the waterline of the vessel to make sure you do not collect any materials on the underside, or take off the antifouling when you clean. Make sure you do the same thing with all boat accessories.
After that, give the boat a thorough rinse with fresh water, and then apply the boat wash with a soft bristle brush. Make sure you’ve gone over every boat, and try to improve how you look after any noticeable marks by using a stain-removing product.
After that, wash the boat again so as to remove any soapsuds which may remain on. You can find an excellent boat wash from PS7 to PS14 from a variety of outdoor retailers or the chandleries. Well-known brands include Starbite, 3M, and Pro Marine. And if you like doing your bit for Mother Nature, there are also a number of environmentally-friendly boat cleaning products you can get your hands on.
Beware of using any household cleaner like washing-up fluid when you clean your boat. It will take the wax layer off your boat, meaning you’ll have to apply wax more frequently in the future. This kind of liquid was not intended to be used in the marine environment and is harmful to the waterways.
Using a dry cloth, apply an even coat of polish to your vessel. Once you’ve covered your boat completely, wipe it down with a dry rag or towel, which will help to get rid of any dust that may have accumulated on the boat before you apply the wax. A quality boat polish can bring you back to PS18 With a range of brands that make good products.
The next thing to do on the list is to make circular motions and cover your boat in boat wax. Make sure you don’t make any mistakes, as the wax can give your boat that shines. After that, go over the wax using an abrasive towel to reveal a sparkling clean hull – as good as new. You should be able to find quality boat wax in the range of PS10 and PS20 at chandleries and outdoor stores.