When you understand correctly, that boats are not cars, you will know the right questions to ask your boat detailing provider. Doing so will help him perform boat maintenance faster and more efficiently.
Boat Maintenance: 5 Questions to Ask
1. What kind of materials do they use for cleaning?
The first question you should be asking is if they are using the same kind of cleaning materials for boats and cars. Walk away if they do. It’s because boats are constructed with a different set of materials that require unique treatment. Using the wrong materials can ruin the appearance of your boat or worse, damage it .
2. Are they saltwater or freshwater boat detailers?
You should also ask if they have the specialization to treat saltwater or freshwater boats. This depends entirely on where you use your boat. Some boat detailers have better experience at detailing saltwater boats than freshwater ones.
3. How will they be treating your boat’s brightwork?
The brightwork is perhaps the most noticeable part of your boat. Teak, the wood most widely used for brightwork, requires an appropriate treatment depending on its age. Although it is inherently durable, inappropriate treatment could drastically shorten its life. As a perfect example, your boat detailer should not use any sanding when the teak has formed a natural ‘non-slip’ surface as this will definitely cause damage. Varnishing the teak is the most widely used method and in here detailers use a multitude of varnishes.
4. What does your boat detailer use to protect the gel coating?
Gel coat covers the majority of your boat and provides immediate protection from the outside. Because it is frequently exposed to nature’s elements, oxidation naturally happens. This can lead to dullness and color fading. Boat detailers either use sealants or wax to restore the gel coat. The regular practice is to polish the gel-coat with wax to help restore its original shine. However, some detailers prefer the use of sealants though these are more expensive. Just remember that wax deteriorates faster than sealants specially when exposed in the sun and saltwater. Sealants usually last all season since most of them are UV resistant.
5. How do they repair gel-coat scratches?
Gel-coat repairs are another story. You should ask your boat detailer how they plan on restoring gel-coat scratches. Usually you would want them to use the same gel-coat type or material so that it can blend with the original gel-coat.
There are other parts of the boat to consider like the boat canvas, the chrome or steel frameworks and even the interior. Perhaps one of the best questions to ask a boat detailer is if they have a portfolio of previous detailing they’ve done. With pictures and images, you’ll be able to see the difference between the original untreated boats and their resulting appearance after detailing.
If you want boat maintenance done right, consider DetailXPerts. We have the right tools and manpower to ensure your boat looks great for a long, long time.
Enjoyed this post? Sign up for our newsletter to receive more valuable tips, ideas, coupons, and extras!
