Maintaining a boat can seem like an endless task at times, so let us help you break it down to minimize efforts while maximizing results. This topic could cover the gamut of things that are needed by a boat owner; however we will focus on general cleaning and keeping that boat looking new even 10 years or more into its life.
Let’s face it, after a typical weekend trip to Rum Point with the family you will likely be spent on your return home and the last thing you want to think about is cleaning your boat. But don’t worry, just take a few minutes with the hose and wash a little fresh water over everything to get the days use and salt off quickly before heading in for the evening. As simplistic as this seems, a freshwater rinse is one of the best maintenance procedures you can do. This will keep things like salt build up from occurring and cut down on corrosion significantly especially around the engines, but even the tops, snaps, or other metal parts will do well with a simple flush of water. Remember to flush those motors each and every time. Salt and the Sun are our two biggest enemies here in the Caribbean and we have to combat them accordingly.
Basic Wash Occasionally you will want to treat your investment to a nice sudsy bath. Certainly after a heavy day of fishing but also monthly depending how often you use the boat. Use a Premium Marine “Boat Wash”, this will ensure that you are getting all that the sea has to offer in contaminants off while keeping all your waxes on. Never use a household detergent! While the boat may look clean you will quickly undo your nice shining wax job with all the heavy degreasers that household cleaners contain. Get yourself a nice long reaching brush and a 5 gallon bucket half full of Water and properly diluted Boat Wash. Start at the top, and I mean the top of the top. Don’t forget up there when cleaning and work your way down and then front to back, rinsing as you go to avoid the soap from drying. Once your interior and boat top are done don’t forget your sides. If you’re on a trailer this is easy. If you’re at the dock you may need a second set of hands. Relax the ropes a bit and have someone hold the boat off the dock while you scrub along just above the water line, again rinsing as you go. Repeat on the other side, of course with no dock to worry about there. Now the wash is complete and your boat is contaminant free and shiny again.
Assessing for Wax, Polish or Compound, Waxing should be done every 6 to 12 months. Let’s assume for a minute, however, that even with routine waxing your boat is not quite new looking anymore. Fear not. To revive that new boat look you’ll go straight to a premium Marine Wax. It can be applied by hand but I prefer a good Dual Action Polisher to get the job done quickly. Once done take a few minutes with a quality Micro Fiber cloth for wax removal and you’re as good as new.
If your boat is starting to show its age then it could use a bit of a polish. For this step I highly recommend the Dual Action Polisher, or if you have time for a little training a Rotary Polisher to get the job done quickly but done well. Once around the boat with a premium Marine Polish, then a quick clean with your Micro Fiber cloth and then go over with the Wax step above for that new boat shine.
Ok, so maybe your boat is quite past its “fresh from the factory” look and is more onto the “I’ve not cleaned her in a while chalky look”. Again don’t panic, no need to call in the big guns yet. I like to start with the lightest possible solution. The first step here is to take a dab of polish give it a rub and see what happens. No shine, no problem. Reach for a stronger product, namely a premium Marine Compound. This product really does its business with a good Rotary Polisher with premium cutting pads, but I’ve seen a Dual Action used by those less inclined. Again you’re going to go over that drab looking exterior with the Compound to rub off those years of neglect and bring back your boat to its rightful state.
Once you’ve completed your once around with the Compound you’ll want to go around again with the Polish for that high shine as above, and then to seal everything up and protect it from the harsh salt environment again get your Waxing done. Don’t be afraid to take your wax top side. It works just as well on the inside on your fiberglass surfaces keeping them slick and shiny and protecting them from the elements. All washing, waxing, polishing and compounding can be applied on all painted or gel coated, fiberglass or urethane surfaces including the engines and engine covers and interior floors and gunnels to keep them all shining like new.
If after applying a compound still does not give you the look that you’re after then don’t be afraid to call one of the many boat maintenance shops on the island for a helping hand, they will know what to do.
If you’ve made it this far you’re golden. Don’t let yourself get back to the compound stage again by simply doing your regular washes and a good Wax every 6-12 months. Invest in good covers for your boat and engine to prolong their life. The sun is one of our biggest enemies, and if we can block it out it is by far the best solution to keeping everything in pristine shape.
If you own a personal water craft, these same steps can be applied to your smaller mode of transportation as well.
Don’t forget to give your trailer a good fresh water wash down every time you launch your boat and as often as possible a good wash and lubrication including greasing your bearing buddies to keep it in as good shape as you’ll have your boat.
Remember that specific products are used for specific jobs. When cleaning your vessels always use Premium Marine products. For your non-slip floors use a non-slip floor cleaner. For your Aluminum Tops use a Marine Aluminum cleaner. Follow up with a detailing spray. For your vinyl use a Premium Marine Vinyl cleaner and protector. To keep those snaps from freezing up get a jar of petroleum jelly and a small hard bristle paint brush and apply liberally.
Be extra cautious when cleaning the underside of your boat with caustic products used to remove biological growth as a result of it being in the water too long. They will get the job done in a hurry but make sure you get the appropriate safety gear for your hands, eyes and a good face mask with filters.
Hard and soft clear plastics abound on boats, but they also tend to get a bit cloudy after time. Again great Marine Plastic detailing products are available to help you fix just about any issue you have, just ask a professional for assistance at one of our many Marine superstores around the island.
Also be aware of your environment when cleaning your boat. Make sure that the products you use don’t degrade our waters or endanger aquatic life. Put trash in the appropriate receptacles and make sure to secure rags and containers so that they don’t blow overboard.
There are reasons companies have developed Marine specific lines and it is simple the Household products work great at Home, the Automotive products work great on your Car and your Marine products will work like a champ on your Boat. Happy Boating…
