Marine Accessories

With warmer weather on the horizon, you may be anxious to don your swimsuit, slather on the sunscreen and head to the boat dock. To make the most of this year’s boating season, start with a nice, clean boat that is mildew free and water ready.

Cleaning your boat properly after a long winter not only protects it from damaging elements, such as dry rot, cracking, ultraviolet rays, corrosion, oxidation and water minerals, but also it will be aesthetically pleasing. Knowing where to begin can be a daunting task, especially for first-time boat owners. Stick to this handy guideline to cleaning your boat, and soon you’ll be sailing the high seas safely with style and panache.

Examine the exterior – Even if the hull is not composed completely of fiberglass, it’s important to properly clean the shell of your boat, as this barrier is critical to its longevity. Sealing it properly can save you from water damage and expensive repair costs. In some cases, a clean boat can mean the difference between waterproof and waterlogged.

Gather the right cleaning equipment- Choosing the right boat cleaning supplies can be overwhelming due to the multitude of site-specific cleaning products available on the market today. Keeping an all-purpose soap in your repertoire is always a good idea, but there are sensitive areas of your boat that require special attention and care. Ask the people at your local pier, boating ramp or storage facility to see what they use. Also, don’t hesitate to consult sales representatives at your local boating supply store for advice. They can be knowledgeable in the clean boat arena and look at good web sites for their cleaning products.

Clean the hull- Because a clean hull can improve your boat’s performance and fuel efficiency, it is the most critical area of your boat to clean. Scrub outdoors during daylight hours for the best visibility, and pay attention to any cracks or questionable areas that may have developed during winter storage. Use a medium-bristled brush to avoid irritating the gelcoat.

Pay attention to the gelcoat- The gelcoat, which acts as a sunscreen for your boat, needs to be properly treated each season to protect your boat from sun damage, which can be more detrimental to your boat than water. If your gelcoat begins to breakdown, it can become more porous, dirty and waterlogged, resulting in blistering on the surface of your boat. If your gelcoat needs rejuvenating, clean it with a nonabrasive cleanser, then polish it with a UV-protective wax.

Treat vinyl- Over time, the intensity of the sun can cause your vinyl upholstery to crack and fade. Treat and protect it with a vinyl-specific cleaner that contains a UV shield. Mildew stains can be a pesky problem if you have vinyl upholstery. Use a medium-soft bristled deck brush, and gently scrub mildew spots with a small amount of ammonia and water.

Hydrate dry rot- Check wood trim for dry rot by tapping questionable areas with a hard tool and listening for a hollow sound. Pay extra attention to hatches, deck seams, planking, companion slides, stem, ribs and toe rails. Fix any affected areas with a dry rot treatment available at your local boating supply store.

Deep clean carpeting- Boat carpet can be a petri dish for the bacteria that causes bad smells and stains. Not only is it the dropping grounds for neglected debris from your last fishing trip, spilled beverages and snacks, but it’s also the resting home for mud and sand. Clean the carpet in your boat the same way you would clean it in your home. For Berber carpet and other durable variations typically used in boats, use a suction-only vacuum attachment. If you use a vacuum that has a beater bar, fibers can easily get caught and tangled and wind up frayed. Consider having the carpet steam cleaned once a season to uproot deeply embedded dirt and mud. You can also do it yourself with a rented carpet cleaner from your local hardware or grocery store.

Perform a routine checkup- As part of your boat cleaning process, give your boat a thorough inspection. Examine electrical sockets for damage caused by vermin, confirm that your lights and bilge pump are working properly, check the battery and radio, restock your emergency kit and ensure that your life jackets are in good condition. In addition, give the trailer a similar checkup to ensure that its tires are properly inflated and the lights are functioning.

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