Boat Cleaning Tips
If you’re the proud owner of a boat, you probably enjoy using it for fishing, cruising on the lake, or watersports. Your vessel is built tough and made to withstand most of the hazards of boating. However, when you take your vessel out on the water, it returns to the dock with some grime. Over time, all that dirt does more than just hurt the appearance of your boat. It can gradually corrode away your boat's surfaces, which is why proper cleaning is essential. We’ve created a beginner's guide to cleaning your boat so that you can keep it looking new!
Get the Right Supplies
Proper boat cleaning starts with the right tools. Before you begin cleaning your boat, you’ll need to gather the necessary supplies, including a bucket, a hose, a soft-bristle brush or sponge, a boat cleaning solution, and a waxing compound. Make sure you choose cleaning products that are safe for your boat's material. For example, if you have a fiberglass boat, you should use a cleaning solution that is made for use on fiberglass.
Clear the Debris
The first step in cleaning your boat is to remove any debris, leaves, or twigs from the deck. This can be done with a broom or a leaf blower. Be sure to remove all debris as it can scratch the surface of your boat during the cleaning process.
Wash the Boat
Rinsing your vessel after each voyage gets rid of immediate grime buildup before it can become tough to remove. This step is important if you frequently venture into saltwater since the salt buildup can corrode parts of your boat.
The best approach is to clean your boat in small sections so you can rinse the soap before it dries. Start at the top of the hull and work downward. Remember that the deeper clean you do now, the more protection you'll get later when you wax your vessel. Once you’ve finished using soap and water, turn on the hose and wash off all the excess soap that may have accumulated.
Waxing and Polishing
A key part of cleaning your boat is waxing, which should preferably be done twice a year. Apply a coat of wax before winter storage and again when you take your vessel out during the summer. Waxing is time-consuming, but it has many perks. Grime will find it harder to stick, so you'll have to clean it less often. Your boat will shine in the sunlight and stay looking like new longer, too. Don't forget to polish your boat. It will help you to clear away oxidation from the gel coat and give the surface a nice shine that will leave your boat sparkling!
We hope that this boat cleaning guide has been useful. For all your boating needs, visit Gull Lake Marine - Richland. We are conveniently located in Richland, MI, and we proudly serve all those in Kalamazoo.