How to care for boat surfaces
DIY Tips for Every Surface

Boat maintenance is an ongoing process. The water environment can strip paint and varnish, and animal activity can leave messes that left untouched can permanently mar the surfaces of your boat. Here are some ways to keep all your boat surfaces shipshape year round.

Various Boat Surfaces and Their Care

Fiberglass: Fiberglass is like the exterior of a car and requires not much more than a good paint job, regular washing, and periodic coats of wax. Periodic top painting and an application of bottom paint every 1-5 years will keep your fiberglass functional and beautiful.

Aluminum: Aluminum requires not much more than an aluminum rated paint and regular washing to keep it looking good. The real risk with aluminum is wear due to galvanic corrosion. Boat zincs protect aluminum items only if attached correctly, so don’t attach other metals to aluminum, particularly under the waterline. Avoid electrical connections between fittings, graphite lubricants or the use of automotive battery chargers. Wash with freshwater after every run to avoid salt buildup.

Other Metals: (Brass, chrome, stainless steel etc) Consider the marine habitat and ensure you do any corrosive polishing or cleaning with the item relocated away from the water. Use proper placement of zincs to protect against galvanic corrosion, and if you do find signs of early corrosion, invest in an anti-fouling paint designed for submerged metal parts on boats.

Glass: Glass is one of the easiest surfaces to clean. Use either a marine rated glass cleaner or simply saltwater and newspaper for a high-polish shine. Investing in a squeegee will save on paper towels in the long term.

Wood: The key to beautiful wood is to keep it well-sealed. Even hard wood like teak is susceptible to water soaking into untreated porous areas creating permanent damage. Regularly replacing varnish, oils and paint will keep your boat safe from salt water, rain and UV rays.

Isenglass: Ammonia based cleaners will scar isinglass so make sure you use water and mild dish soap to keep your canvas windows looking shiny and new.

Canvas: One of the quickest items to wear on a boat is canvas. Like every part of your boat, a freshwater wash-down after every trip will help as well as an annual application of rainproofing and UV protecting spray. If mold or mildew appears, don’t use bleach-based products as they are not marine safe and will discolour the material. Instead, scrub baking soda into the mildewed areas, let sit for an hour followed by a good wash with marine canvas soap.

Carpet and Upholstery: Boat upholstery can absorb and trap liquids so it’s important to keep the area as dehumidified as possible. Wash all linens at the beginning of each boating season and use a steam cleaner on other surfaces. Steam cleaners are great for cleaning foam inside boat cushions, boat mattresses, and narrow cracks that can’t be reached otherwise, like under refrigerators and between grooved flooring.

Boats are one of the best methods of getting away from it all, and keeping every surface of your boat maintained you protect the beauty and structural integrity of your vessel for years to come.

The Easiest Way to Save Money
Increase Your Boat’s Efficiency and Spend WAY Less

“How much fuel will it burn?” is one of the most-asked questions at a marine dealer’s showroom. It certainly is a question we get tons of mail about. But you might not realize that the answer to that question is largely in your own hands: It’s in the way you handle the throttle. It’s also in the way you load or overload your boat and the way you trim it. There are more than a half-dozen contributing factors to an overindulgence at the fuel pump, so to give you the best tools to boat green and save gas, we wrote out some great tips to get your started on your way to affordable boating heaven.

Properly Trim

You’ll never have optimum fuel economy if you don’t use optimum trim. Trimming out reduces the wetted surface of the hull by raising the bow. How do you know if you’re trimmed for efficiency? Experts say to trim out until the prop ventilates a little (sucks air). Then bring it down a little, that is when you know you are in the sweet spot.

Towers & T-Tops

Fuel economy is improved by a combination of tactics that incrementally add up to less fuel burned. Canvas enclosed T-tops, hardtops, towers and Bimini tops all create aerodynamic drag, causing the engine to work harder to make the boat go any given speed. tested boats with the canvas up and the canvas down, and I’ve seen enclosures scrub as much as 3 mph off of a boat’s speed. Interestingly, some T-tops actually enhance efficiency because they act as a wing and create lift. But once you put canvas on, life’s a drag once again. Try your boat with canvas up and down, and with windshield open and closed, monitoring tach and speedo, to see what’s best.

Tint Your Windows

A HUGE amount of energy is wasted by heating and cooling your cabin. What is you could keep the temperature constant inside, whether it is the height of summer or the cool cold days of fall? Advanced marine window films are perfect for regulating temperature. They keep radiant heat inside in the cool weather, and help keep out the blazing sun at high season. This means less need for heaters and A/C, which means you use much less energy. Just like driving a car with the climate control blasting, your boat will be way less efficient the more systems you are using. Give your heater and A/C a break and save a ton of money on fuel in the process.

Less Throttle=Less Cost

Simple but true: Back off the throttle to burn less fuel. Naturally we don’t expect you to troll everywhere, but unless you’re in a tournament, are racing to make a bridge opening, or have that momentary need for speed that afflicts us all, slow down to save fuel without costing any real time.

Maintaining Teak Trim
How to clean, restore, and maintain the most beautiful boat trims.

Teak is probably the most popular wood for exterior boat trim today. It’s resistant to rot and withstands the test of the elements and pollution. As tough as teak is, it still requires attention and regular maintenance to keep it looking good.

Depending on who you talk to, there are several “right” ways to preserve the natural beauty of teak trim. Here are some suggestions, and you can see which one works best for you.

The Natural School

Some boat owners allow their teak to weather naturally, and in warm climates the result is a lovely silvery-grey colour.

Unfortunately, untreated teak has been known to weather into a shade closer to black and the result is mottled, dirty-looking trim. This might be due to weather pollution, or the exposure to fresh water. Needless to say, untreated teak is prone to splitting, and the result will be an expensive custom replacement.

If you’re definitely after the patina of untreated teak trim, test it out on a small area first.

Cleaning And Scrubbing

Two-part cleaners like the popular Te-Ka, are a combination of soap and a mild bleaching agent. Scrub the wood gently with a soft nylon bristle, making sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection when handling these powerful chemicals.

A few things to be aware of- most teak cleaners contain chemicals that react poorly when they come into contact with metal, especially aluminum. Some teak cleaners will even damage antifouling paint upon contact.

Teak Oils

Most boat owners protect their wood with teak oils which are blends of oils containing mostly linseed oil. Boiled linseed oil is readily available at most paint stores, and easily applied. Teak sealers are closer to a solid state and better protect against damaging UV rays.

Varnished Teak

Teak can be varnished to a high gloss, but getting there takes some elbow grease. A two-part cleaner will remove the natural oil from the surface of the wood, followed by sanding then rubbing down with acetone.

Next, apply a few coats of ultraviolet inhibited varnish with the first coat thinned out 20 percent so it soaks into the wood.  For interior trim, your window films will help block out the UV light, but for exterior trim, this is a very important step.  Sanding is required between coats. Never work in direct sunlight or when the wind is blowing. Keep in mind, repairs to varnished teak require messy chemical strippers which can damage fibreglass gel coat.

Living With Teak

All teak should be washed down regularly with soap and water, no matter which teak preservation system you opt for doesn’t affect that step. Each option above has its advantages and disadvantages and require an investment of time, but the results are well worth it.

Springtime Maintenance
A super easy step-by-step guide.

The arrival of Spring inspires all boaters to begin the process of reviving their boats, in anticipation of getting back out on the water. Just as you strategically prepared your boat for Winter, Spring commissioning should be done methodically, and in an order that prevents costly errors and system failures. You’d be surprised how many people I hear about who forget to put the drain plug back in their boat the first time they launch it after winter lay-up.

Here are some basic tips for getting your boat spring ready.

1. Remove the cover, taking a minute to inspect the cover for any holes and cracks that may require repair before next season. Ideally you cleaned your boat in the fall, so it shouldn’t be too much effort to clean and scrub your boat from top to bottom to remove wintertime dirt and grit from the outside, taking care to polish that metal. Inspect all mounts, clips and anything that may have come loose over the winter.
2. Now is the time to add a fresh coat of wax, especially to spots that you were unable to cover and protect during the winter. This is my least favourite task to do, but the results are well worth it. Waxing is very important for protecting the hull and is also helps your boat move smoothly through the water, reducing drag and improving fuel economy.
3. Make sure you flush freshwater systems of any antifreeze with clean, fresh water. Fill your water tank and then open all the freshwater outlets in your boat systematically, one at a time, and flush the system until perfectly clear water comes through. Don’t forget the transom or anchor wash faucets.
4. Open seacocks and through-hull fittings before running inboard engines. This is a costly mistake, as you could potentially cause engine damage. Likewise, ensure there’s cooling water flowing from your outboard(s) the first time you run them. Refer to your owners manual or contact your marine mechanic with any questions.
5. Carefully commission sanitation systems, specifically that you position Y-valves and seacocks in their legal positions, so waste goes into your holding tank and not into the water.
6. Ensure bilge pumps are in good working order before you launch by adding water to the bilge with a hose or five-gallon bucket. If the pump removes the water, you’re generally good to go.
7. It’s a good idea to add a coat of antifouling paint to the bottom of your boat, and while you’re there check zincs, examine propellers, and look over every inch of the hull for cracks or wear.
8. PUT IN THE DRAIN PLUG. I realize I’m being Captain Obvious, but always make sure the drain plug is properly fastened, and you have a spare on board. This will ensure your first spring trial on the water doesn’t turn into a swim.
9. Before dropping your boat into the water, you should consider any 3rd party work you want to get completed. This includes having window films installed, paint touch-ups, or mechanical fixes that might be more easily completed out of the water.

With these few steps, you can be assured that your first trip this year on the water is safe, fun, and successful.

Q&A How Often Should I Wax?
It’s a big job, so only do it as often as necessary.

Q: I am a new boat owner in Victoria and I curious about something. How often do I need to wax it to keep it safe from corrosion? Thanks for your help!

Keeping your boat looking clean and operating at optimal condition is a lifetime commitment. You don’t want the preparation to go out on the water to be an exercise in bringing your boat back from the dead, so be prepared to invest some routine elbow grease every time your boat hits the water. Each time your boat is on the water means it’s exposed to damaging ultraviolet rays, ocean sediment, salt, toxins in the water, and constant action of the wind and movement of the water surface.

Cleaning your boat should be top priority before and after every marine adventure, and to maximise the beauty and functionality of your vessel, you should consider integrating a waxing component to the routine maintenance of your boat, paying attention to the deck, the fiberglass hull, and the superstructure.

The Waxing Dilemma

There are several schools of thought on the frequency you should wash, detail, and wax your boat, and which products are recommended for the job. “How often should I wax my boat?” is actually a trick question, because the frequency of your wax application is individual to every boat owner, and depends on factors such as how often you take your boat out into the water, for how long, and under which conditions. As a rule of thumb, you may only need to wax your boat once a year if you keep it above water or in the garage. If you keep your boat in the water year-round, though, you may want to think about waxing your boat every three or four months, amounting to about three times per year. Exposure to the sun is another variable too—and keeping your boat freshly waxed with the proper wax can protect from UV rays.

With this in mind, there are at least three steps in the wax-and-buff ritual:

1. Clean, clean, clean your boat. The first step before you wax your boat is to clean the surface thoroughly. If you’re diligent enough to rinse your boat off with freshwater after every trip, you’ve already laid the groundwork for a good looking boat. Scrub every surface, making sure to eliminate the salt and mineral deposits, unwanted marine growth, grease, and mold with a commercial cleaning agent or marine soap. Remember that polishing and waxing a dirty vessel will drive contaminates into your gelcoat.

2. Polishing: This is the step that creates the smooth, glossy surface that requires protecting with a layer of wax. Your gelcoat is a thick surface that protects your fiberglass boat from all nicks, scrapes and UV rays, so don’t buff it to death, but polish it enough that the surface is smooth and ready to be sealed with a protectant.

3. Waxing: Now is the step when you apply a thin layer of either a polymer sealant or a natural wax substance to lock in your achievements with the previous two steps. Natural wax will provide a deep, beautiful shine that will make your boat’s surfaces appear almost three dimensional. The benefits to polymer sealants are they are plasticized, providing extra durability and minimising the need for frequent re-application.

The key to extending the beauty of your boat is keeping it clean, polish when necessary, and keep it waxed. Investing in these steps will provide many years of enjoyment on the water.

Spring Boat Commissioning
Getting your boat ready for the new season in no time.

Getting a head start on your boat’s spring cleaning is an excellent way to asses any maintenance that might be required before you and your loved ones can get out on the water. Here are some ideas to get your vessel looking and running great in time for Spring.

Unwrapping

Remove your boat cover and scrub it down before storing it. If you’ve shrink-wrapped your boat, take the shrink wrap off and recycle. Your marina should have an area to deposit shrink-wrap.

Wax Poetic

Giving your boat a thorough scrubbing and waxing will not only make your boat look good, but it will protect the gelcoat and paint all season long. Polishing and waxing your gelcoat or two-part paint system is a great investment and extends the beauty of your exterior.

Throw Some Shade

Now is the perfect time to get those windows tinted. When it is out of the water it is much easier to bring in for window treatment, and even if you stored it on the water, you can have someone like Diversity come by the dock and give it a once over. Lots of options available, and better early than late when it comes to summer boat preparations.

Water, Water, Everywhere

It’s time to flush out the areas of your boat that were properly winterized. Fill up your water tank and run fresh, clean water through all your fixtures, open up fresh water intake through-hulls, marine heads, and flush fresh water through your macerators, bilge pumps and shower sumps.

Bottoms Up

Applying a fresh coat of antifouling paint to your boats bottom is a good idea, especially if your boat spends part of the season in the water. If the bottom paint is in good condition, simply sand and reapply a coat of paint.

It’s The Wood That Makes it Good

If you’re lucky enough to have an abundance of teak on your boat, you want to keep it looking beautiful. All popular marine woods like mahogany require annual care which is nothing more than some sanding and varnishing to protect the longevity and beauty of your wood.

All Systems Go

Make sure you go over your entire boat, testing and checking how well these systems and their components are working. This attention to detail will avoid any surprise issues that could crop up on your maiden voyage.

Safety First

While your knee deep in the bowels of your boat, take this opportunity to inventory your safety gear. Make sure your flares are unexpired, your personal flotation devices are in good shape and any First Aid equipment is topped up. If you haven’t already, check your emergency radio.

You spent a weekend preparing your boat, now you can go out on the water looking good and with peace of mind.

How to Prevent Boat Mold
Part Two of our Series on Mold Prevention and Management

Last week we looked at how to remove mold from your boat. This is the most obvious and crucial step towards being mold free for boat season (if you missed it, you can read it right here). This week we are switching to prevention mode, and we have a list of tips to help you prevent mold infestations from coming back to help save you from the endless cycle of mold clean up each spring.

First is Ventilation: Active vs Passive

To prevent mold and mildew, you need to ensure that your boat is well ventilated. This can be as easy as opening hatches or portholes to create cross ventilation. But for times when you are away, you will need to rely on either active or passive ventilators to keep the moisture level down. Passive ventilators, such as cowl vents, clamshell vents, louvered vents, ventilating sails, ports and hatches provide an access path for air to enter or leave the interior of the boat. As long as either the boat or the air itself are moving, they work just fine.

Active ventilators, such as Nicro’s Day/Night Plus Solar Vents incorporate a fan to keep air moving even when the boat or breeze is still. Solar energy or ship’s power is used to power the fan, depending on the ventilator. These vents come with both intake and exhaust fan blades for flexibility in creating your ventilation system.

When you are away from your boat, it is a good idea to leave the doors to hanging lockers and other enclosed spaces open to allow air to circulate and reduce moisture. This includes the spaces underneath your boat’s cushions, which can be left turned on their sides with the access covers to hull areas underneath removed.

Second, Reduce Moisture using Calcium Chloride Crystals

Star brite, DampRid, and MaryKate all offer systems that employ calcium chloride crystals to remove moisture from the air. In some cases, the moisture gets deposited into a reservoir, as with DampRid’s Easy-Fill Moisture Absorber or the No Damp Ultra Dome by Star brite.

These systems are effective, but are prone to spillage unless emptied on time. A better choice for hanging lockers and areas underneath settees and berthing areas are DampRid’s Moisture Absorbing Sachets or MaryKate’s Moisture Control Bag, both of which retain the condensed water in a bag or pouch.

Third, Cabin Heater & Stove Usage

Many boats are equipped with a propane or diesel cabin heater or stove. Unfortunately, these appliances can increase cabin humidity, because the principal by-products of combustion are carbon monoxide and water, some of which, in the case of most heaters and nearly all stoves ends up in the cabin, where the water will tend to condense against cool interior surfaces—which can result in the formation of mold and mildew.

To prevent this, when using a propane or diesel cabin heater or stove, open your boat’s hatch to let the combustion gasses escape, which is something you should do anyway to limit the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fourth, Use Electric Heaters

At the dock, evaporating moisture with an electric cabin heater is a good way to keep surfaces dry. For engine and mechanical spaces there are engine room heaters as well. When you are absent from your boat, low-level heating devices, such as the West Marine Air Dryer and the Goldenrod Dehumidifier are a great way to chase the damp away.

How to Remove Mold From Your Boat
A Two Part Series on Mold Prevention and Management

Mold, mildew and the awful smell of fungus can be an ongoing problem for boaters, even if your vessel looks visibly clean. This is because, apart from the visible areas in a boat’s cabin, there are many areas that offer the dark, moist environment that mold requires to grow and thrive. Underneath your quarter berths, v-berths, settees, hanging lockers, cockpit seats, chain lockers, and a host of other hidden areas, are where mold will thrive and grow to a point where it is difficult to completely remove it.

This two part series is going to cover how to remove mold when you find it, and then how to prevent it when it is gone. Once you get a handle on it, your cabin will smell a whole lot fresher. And beyond that, those itchy eyes and that awful cough that you may have been experiencing might just go away too.

Take a Proactive Approach

Controlling mold is a continuous battle that requires a multi-pronged, proactive approach. I say “control”, because you will never entirely eliminate mold and mildew from your boat. This is because their spores are virtually everywhere, and to grow and reproduce, all they need is moisture, the right temperature, and food—which can be virtually any organic substance, meaning any material that contains carbon atoms. This includes running rigging, stored anchor rode, upholstery fabrics, the inner surface of a fibreglass hull, even something as subtle as the oil that your hand leaves on a piece of stainless steel.

Following is a general plan of action for removing existing mold and mildew:

Step 1: Remove the Mold

The Recipe: To remove mold and mildew, try using a solution of bleach, water, TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) and powdered laundry detergent mixed in the following proportions: Four quarts of freshwater, one quart of bleach, 2/3 cup TSP and 1/3 cup of laundry detergent. Alternatively, you can use an off-the-shelf product specifically formulated for mold and mildew removal, of which there are two types: those that contain bleach and those that don’t.

No matter which type you choose, use the product liberally, taking care to spray it into hidden, hard to reach areas. Sop up any runoff from these products with some rags, which you will need to dispose of at the end. Also, when removing mold, the EPA suggests wearing an N95 particulate mask. We would also suggest rubber gloves, coveralls and protective eyewear to keep the spores from harming your body.

Step 2: Fumigate

After removing the mold, follow up with one of the MDG products by Star brite. These products use chlorine dioxide technology to create a penetrating vapor that kills mold along with the odor that it creates. This vapor will penetrate nearly everywhere, including into fabrics and also into areas that you might have missed with the spray. Choices include MDG Fast Release, and MDG Slow Release, which can be used in occupied boats. It works for up to three months and is ideal for continuous treatment of your boat’s cabin during winter layup.

Step 3: Apply a Mildew Blocker

Although mildew blockers work only temporarily, applying one will give you a temporary leg up in the fight against mold. For ongoing mold prevention tips, see part two of this blog post right here.

The 5 Steps of Engine Detailing
A simple, step-by-step guide.

When boat owners think about detailing, they’re usually considering only the visible parts of their vessel and invest time in rinsing their boat with freshwater after every trip, and waxing their hull to ensure their gelcoat remains in peak condition.

While these measures preserve the beauty of your boat, your marine engine needs love, too. Attending to your outboard engine will ensure it not only looks spick and span but runs at optimum efficiency. Cleaning your outboard engine shouldn’t be too daunting. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to get you started.

The five steps to clean your outboard boat engine:

1. After every saltwater or freshwater trip, make sure you rinse and flush out the engine with freshwater. This is dead simple and requires nothing more than a source of fresh water, and a set of rabbit ears to the part where the water is picked up, and a hose. Start up the engine and the pump will move the brackish water out the hose.
2. Your engine should remain in neutral and not run above a fast idle. Make sure you keep an eye on the pumping to ensure you’re moving water not air, and so your engine doesn’t overheat. If you’re only getting a trickle, shut the engine down and check the outflow tube for clogs. If you suspect it’s blocked, try jostling the debris loose with a small piece of wire inserted into the hose.
3. After flushing, disconnect the fuel lines and turn the engine on so it uses up all the fuel in the carburetor. Then you can switch off the batteries.
4. Now it’s time to remove the engine cowling and inspect the engine block for defects. If you spot a fuel or water leak, you’ll have to alert your marine mechanic immediately because he’s the most qualified to diagnose and repair this particular situation.
5. If your engine block is in good repair, go ahead and wipe it clean and follow with a dose of an anti-corrosive product like WD-40. Lubricating all moving parts will keep them working seamlessly. Finally, you can replace the cowling, and cover your outboard engine with a tarp or plastic cover whenever the boat is dry-docked.

We highly recommend following your outboard manufacturers recommendations to flush each time you venture into salty, brackish, sandy, or polluted waters. If you stick to some regular maintenance, we guarantee your boat will stay in top shape and you will be on top of problems before they get out of hand.

Interior Boat Detailing Tips
How to keep your interior in perfect shape in record time

Of course, nothing beats a professional interior detailing. But that doesn’t mean that DIY cleaning shouldn’t be done in between appointments. In fact, it will make your professional detailing appointments cheaper and your overall enjoyment of boating much greater.

You can find tons of cleaning tips online (including our guide to Eco Friendly Boat Cleaning) but the only thing you really have to ask yourself is “what does my boat really need?”

You don’t have to do all one hundred and one suggested cleaning chores after every outing, but you do have to be conscious about how you treat your boat before, during, and after each trip. Proper boat maintenance is all about consistency,  and if you do a few little things religiously, you won’t have to spend a whole day turning your boat inside and out to get the clean results you want.

For example, a good long rinse with freshwater will keep your boat rust-free longer than if you simply stow it away in the boathouse after each trip. Washing your boat with freshwater gets rid of the salt and other mineral deposits, sand, sediment, and trash that may have accumulated on your boat during the trip.

Check out the following tips to help you take good care of your boat on- and off-season:

Winterize your boat properly before putting it into storage.

Whether you have an inboard or an outboard engine, you have to make sure that your boat stays in good working condition throughout the long winter months. Get rid of all the water that may have accumulated in the nooks and crannies of your boat. Moisture can eat away at the paint or encourage corrosion.

Select the right cleaning solution.

Recently, more and more boat owners have become conscious of how they can contribute to environmental conservation efforts by picking out eco-friendly cleaning products. So whether you’re a boat owner, a car owner, or both, you should select a quality cleaning product that will deliver great results as well as protect the environment.

Keep a variety of cleaning tools handy.

Brushes with different stiffness and lengths, a couple of microfibre wash mittens, chamois cloths, and a sturdy hose with spray nozzle are worthwhile investments to keep your boat looking clean and reducing wear. Make sure that you have enough of them on board so that you will have no problem doing spot cleaning if the occasion calls for it.

Keep your upholstery dry.

Wherever you may be on the boat, water and moisture can get trapped, even in the foam cushion of your seats. Spray on a generous amount of vinyl cleaner to prevent rot and keep your upholstery moisture-free. You can also use a conditioner or protectant to help repel stains and keep your upholstery looking like newer, longer.

Varnish wooden ornaments on your boat.

Teak is a common material found on boats, but boat owners sometimes forget to clean and polish it regularly to maintain that deep, healthy glow. Teak oil to really bring out the natural gloss in the wood while keeping it from cracking or fading.

Protecting Your Boat’s Gel Coat
A few simple tips to keep the outside of your boat protected

One aspect of boat maintenance is understanding a bit about the function of the gelcoat layer of your boat. Similar to the top clear coat on your car, the gelcoat layer gives your boat a shiny luster, and acts as a protective barrier between your boat’s hull and external forces such as water, damaging UV rays, wind, and contaminates.

Gelcoat is an epoxy or polyester resin that forms the outermost structural layer, bonding to the fiberglass. Over time, the gelcoat will get its share of scrapes and scratches, becoming dull and oxidized. In addition to ruining your boat’s appearance, a deteriorating gelcoat can actually weaken the hull and expose it to serious damage.

With proper maintenance, your gelcoat can last up to two decades. Follow the measures below for a longer lasting, more beautiful looking hull.

How to Protect Boat Gelcoat

1. Commit to a quality fibreglass cleaner for your boat: Before you reach for an ordinary household cleaner, remember they contain harsh chemicals like ammonia. Think like a chemist. Common household cleaners often react negatively with gelcoat components, causing oxidization, clouding, and damage. Investing in proper fiberglass cleaning products saves you time and money in the long run. Another option is to steam clean your boat, as it will effectively remove all dirt, pollutants, and grime from the hull.
2. Make sure the hull is fully clean before applying any waxes or sealants: Boat gelcoat is porous and the pores trap contaminants like dust, dirt, grime, oil, and of course salt. Applying a layer of wax to an improperly cleaned surface will trap the contaminants and accelerate the process of gelcoat oxidation.
3. Polish the gelcoat: Once the gelcoat is clean, make sure to thoroughly polish the gelcoat to prepare the surface for waxing. A good polish removes dust, dirt, scratches and smooths out imperfections that gelcoat cleaners don’t address. It is this smooth surface that requires the durable layer of wax or sealant, so the entire structure of the hull is protected from water intrusion and UV light.
4. Apply a good boat gelcoat wax or polymer sealant: Like the cleaners, it’s crucial to use a marine grade wax or a sealant. Unless the product specifically says it can be safely used on both cars and boats, don’t use it on your boat. A natural carnauba wax provides epic shine, but a synthetic polymer sealant will last longer. Use a specific restorer formulation if your boat gelcoat is heavily oxidized.
5. Protect the boat from weather when it is not in use: Covering your boat with a marine cover such as a tarp or storing it inside a boathouse will protect it from the elements and extend the life and beauty of your gelcoat.

Upkeep, Done Right
Maintaining your boat is a breeze with a schedule and a few simple tips.

As a boat owner, you understand the cost involved in the proper maintenance of your vessel. To reduce your costs, implement the following tips between your regular appointments with your professional boat detailer, and keep your boat looking newer, longer.

Have A Regular Schedule

A consistent boat detailing schedule will go a long way toward preserving the beauty, functionality, and resale value of your vessel. Most boats are exposed to the wear and tear of the elements all the time, even when dry-docked for the winter months.

Performing your own routine checkups enables you to spot potential problems that may need immediate action including repairs to upholstery, canvas, and fibreglass, before they become huge issues. A thorough interior cleaning, and an inspection of the hull for cracks and wear are proactive measures you can take to immediately identify any issues that may eventually require the help of a professional.

Wax Your Boat Properly

A fresh coat of wax can do wonders for any vehicle, and for boats in particular waxing can preserve your boat’s fibreglass exterior and make it easier for you to do follow-up cleaning on your own. Ask your detailer to walk you though the stages of your boats waxing process if you need some reassurance. To be honest, it is pretty easy to do yourself.

1. Rinse off the boat. Rinsing with freshwater will get rid of contaminates, salt, and minerals that may have accumulated in the seams, hull, and panel gaps on your boat. Even if you’re not going to perform an all-out detailing job, a freshwater rinse is an excellent preventative measure.
2. Clean the exterior with marine grade product. Standard household cleaners are not recommended. These contain high-level alkalies that are not as safe or cost-effective as a marine product. Household cleaners can cause damage to your boat and they may not be environmentally friendly. After cleaning carefully from top to bottom, let the boat dry completely before applying wax. Here’s a cleaning product comparison by Boating Magazine.
3. Pick the right wax product for your needs. Depending on the degree of oxidation to your boat’s gel coat, you’ll need cleaner wax or the more heavy-duty restorer wax. Application methods vary, but you can use a soft cloth or even an electric buffer. Apply the wax evenly, so that it forms an impermeable protective layer over the paint.

With these simple tips, you can extend the life of your boat, get more connected to your vessel, and reduce the amount of money you spend on professional detailing.