To maintain the appearance of a boat, it needs to be thoroughly detailed on a regular basis. However, this means that the upkeep between appointments must be done by you. Here are a few tips for better boat care.
What Does My Boat Really Need?
Overall, basic maintenance is the main concern for boat owners. The simplest way for better boat care – clean each trip. As long as you are wiping down and cleaning the boat each time you take it out, this helps keep it pristine.
Consistency
If you do little things religiously, you won’t have to spend a whole day turning your boat inside 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 into the boathouse after each marine adventure. Washing your boat with freshwater gets rid of the salt and other mineral deposits like sand, sediment, and trash that may have accumulated on your boat during the trip.
Here are some better boat care tips to consider:
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 during 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 also protects the environment.
Keep a variety of cleaning tools handy. Multiple brushes, microfiber towels, and a hose are worthwhile investments to keep your boat looking clean and working well throughout the years. Additionally, make sure they are available on the boat if needed.
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 dry 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 new. However, if despite your efforts, mold appears on your boat, check out our boat maintenance mold removal tips.
Varnish wooden ornaments on your boat. Teak is a common material found on most boats, but boat owners sometimes forget to clean and polish it regularly to maintain that deep, healthy glow. You can also apply teak oil to really bring out the natural gloss in the wood.
