Helena Frye
Maintaining a fibreglass boat in saltwater requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent long-term damage. Saltwater can corrode metal components up to ten times faster than freshwater, and saltwater buildup can cause permanent scarring to fibreglass surfaces. To prevent this, it is important to thoroughly rinse all parts of the boat, including the exterior, interior, engine, and cooling systems, with warm water and dish detergent. This will prevent rust and minimise salt accumulation. It is also recommended to polish and wax the topsides of the boat at least yearly to maintain its shine and protect the paint. To prevent saltwater damage to the hull, it should be covered with antifouling paint, which contains poisons to retard the growth of barnacles and algae.
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What You'll Learn
Rinse boat thoroughly after use
Saltwater can cause devastating damage to boats if left without proper maintenance. Salt crystals can scratch the hull of your boat and cause abrasions. Salt will also start to corrode your boat and form rust. To prevent this, it is crucial to thoroughly rinse all parts of the boat, including the exterior, interior, engine, and cooling systems, with fresh water.
Before you start rinsing, cover all the electrical equipment and spray around that area carefully. Start near the top section of your boat and rinse it down section by section. Rinse the boat from bow to stern, and pay special attention to the deck hardware and the pulleys. To clean the pulleys, spray water at them. Also, get the mechanism that self-steers as well. Before you finish rinsing, spray the hull too. Beware of using too much water pressure because you don't want the water to penetrate between the hatches or other places that could cause issues.
After the boat has been rinsed, wait for it to dry and then rinse again. Use a squeegee blade to remove excess water and left-behind debris. Leave the hatches open so they can dry thoroughly.
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Regular cleaning and maintenance
Saltwater can corrode metal up to ten times faster than freshwater, so it's crucial to thoroughly rinse all parts of your boat after returning from saltwater, including the exterior, interior, engine, and cooling systems. This will help prevent rust and minimise salt accumulation.
The underwater surfaces of your boat need to be protected from the growth of barnacles and algae, even if you only plan to leave your boat in the water for a short time. You'll find noticeable growth in a few days in most areas, and barnacles that attach themselves to an unprotected hull can permanently scar the fibreglass surface. The solution is to cover the entire bottom with so-called "antifouling" paint, which contains various poisons to retard growth. A racing sailboat should have a hard antifouling paint, while a cruising sailboat might use a softer bottom paint since speed isn't as much of a concern as the longevity of the paint. Talk to owners of similar boats, as well as boatyards and boat dealers, to see what they recommend for your area. Some paint companies formulate different paints depending on the area, as growth occurs more rapidly in warmer climates.
To keep the fibreglass in like-new condition, you should wax it regularly, using a wax formulated for marine use. If you wax the hull regularly, you won't need to worry about any oxidation. Most of the time, you'll need to use a mild rubbing compound first to remove the haze and then finish up with a good marine wax to restore the shine. When washing a fibreglass boat, do not use heavy abrasives in your cleaning solution. A simple combination of warm water and dish detergent is suitable. Once the boat is washed, it needs to be protected with a good-quality wax to give the paint a good shine and a hard shell.
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Prevent saltwater buildup
Saltwater can be extremely damaging to boats, causing corrosion, undergrowth, osmotic blisters, discolouration, and damage from heavy wakes. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures to stop saltwater buildup on your fibreglass boat.
Firstly, it is recommended to avoid storing your boat directly in the water for long periods. Saltwater can corrode metals up to ten times faster than freshwater, so it is crucial to minimise contact between metal components and saltwater. Boat lifts are a great solution, as they can hoist boats above the water's surface, protecting them from corrosion and undergrowth.
After returning from saltwater, it is essential to thoroughly rinse all parts of the boat, including the exterior, interior, engine, and cooling systems. This will help prevent rust and reduce salt accumulation. Regular cleaning and maintenance, including sealing any cracks, can also help to maintain the boat's condition and prevent long-term damage.
Additionally, consider taking your boat for a professional cleaning at least once a year to ensure that the interior, fabrics, and wood are well-maintained and protected. This will help to identify any damage and ensure that your boat is in good condition for the upcoming season.
By following these preventative measures, you can effectively minimise saltwater buildup and maintain the longevity of your fibreglass boat.
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Protect against corrosion
Saltwater is a highly corrosive substance that can quickly damage the metal parts of your boat, including the hull, engine, and electrical system. It can also lead to osmotic blistering in fiberglass boats, where water penetrates the gel coat and reacts with water-soluble materials in the fiberglass, forming blisters. To protect your fiberglass boat from saltwater corrosion, follow these steps:
Wash your boat regularly
Use a high-quality marine detergent to wash your boat after each use. This will help to remove salt deposits and prevent corrosion. Pay special attention to areas that are particularly susceptible to saltwater exposure, such as the propeller, the waterline, and the hull fittings.
Apply a protective coating
Apply a ceramic spray coat, wax, or sealant to create a hydrophobic barrier that seals the boat's surface and prevents salt particles from coming into direct contact with the finishes. This will also improve the overall look of your boat by rejuvenating colors and adding a glossy shine.
Use corrosion-resistant products
Whenever possible, use corrosion-resistant or corrosion-free products and materials to protect your boat from saltwater damage and rust.
Flush the engine
The engine is one of the most critical and vulnerable parts of your boat when it comes to saltwater corrosion. To protect it, flush it after every use with a specially formulated marine engine flushing solution that inhibits corrosion. Use a flushing kit to circulate the mixture through the engine and cooling system, then rinse with fresh water.
Store your boat properly
When your boat is not in use, store it in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements. If you must store it outside, cover it with a tarp or boat cover to protect it from rain and salt spray.
Regular maintenance
In addition to the above steps, regular maintenance is key to protecting your boat from saltwater corrosion. This includes keeping your boat clean, inspecting for and repairing any damage promptly, and ensuring that your boat is properly stored when not in use. It is also important to check and replace the anodes, which protect metal components from corrosion.
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Deal with cracks and damage
Dealing with cracks and damage is an important aspect of maintaining a fibreglass boat in saltwater. Small cracks can quickly turn into large cracks, which are more expensive to repair, so it is crucial to seal any cracks as soon as they are noticed. This can be done using a fibreglass repair kit, which includes epoxy to spread and smooth over the crack. It is also important to address any damage to the pump, as a malfunctioning pump will not effectively remove water from the boat. The pump should be replaced at least yearly, or every other year if the boat is not used frequently.
In addition to cracks, fibreglass boats can also experience chips in the varnish, allowing saltwater to seep in and damage the underlying material, such as mahogany. If the aesthetic impact of saltwater damage is not a concern, a simple solution is to varnish over the affected areas. However, for a more perfect finish, the varnish will need to be stripped, and the wood sanded, bleached, re-stained, and re-varnished.
When preparing to paint or repair fibreglass, it is important to take safety precautions as fibreglass dust can be dangerous if inhaled and can cause eye irritation and respiratory issues. Be sure to wear a ventilator, goggles, gloves, and a full-body protectant suit. It is also important to wear a breathing mask and protective clothing when sanding or working with antifouling paint, as the dust and paint can be poisonous.
To prevent damage from saltwater buildup, it is important to keep the boat clean and free of any dirt, stains, and salt accumulation. A periodic schedule of washing the boat with warm water and dish detergent can help maintain the boat's condition. After returning from saltwater, it is crucial to thoroughly rinse all parts of the boat, including the exterior, interior, engine, and cooling systems, to prevent rust and minimise salt accumulation.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not advisable to leave a fiberglass boat in saltwater for more than two weeks, as barnacles, algae, and other biological organisms can grow on the hull. Warmer water will speed up barnacle growth.
Salt water can corrode metals up to 10 times faster than fresh water. To prevent corrosion, store your boat on a boat lift, which will keep it above the water's surface.
To prevent the growth of barnacles, algae, and other organisms on your boat's hull, you can apply "antifouling" paint, which contains poisons to retard growth.
To keep the appearance of your fiberglass boat in good condition, you should polish and wax the topsides at least yearly. Without care, the colour layer can oxidize, causing discolouration.
