Cleaning Your Vessel: Boat Ed's Maintenance Guide

Keeping your boat clean is an essential part of boat maintenance. It extends the lifespan of materials, improves functionality, and can even increase the resale value. However, it's important to choose the right cleaning products and equipment to protect both your boat and the environment. This includes selecting environmentally friendly soaps and avoiding toxic substances, such as toxic paints and cleaners. A good cleaning routine that becomes a habit after each trip can help preserve your boat's appearance and protect it from the marine environment.

Use non-toxic, environmentally-friendly products

Using non-toxic, environmentally-friendly products is an important aspect of boat maintenance. It is essential to select products that are safe for both the boat and the environment, especially when cleaning boat interiors and toilets that are directly connected to the water.

For boat interiors, it is recommended to use non-phosphate products such as hydrogen peroxide. When cleaning carpets, a simple scrub with soap and water can be effective, followed by vacuuming and speed-drying with air conditioning or fans. For vinyl boat interiors, a gentle wash with soapy water and a soft cloth is sufficient, and for tougher stains, a marine vinyl cleaner can be used. It is important to avoid strong chemical cleaners as they can strip away anti-microbial treatments.

Toilet cleaning is similar to home toilets, but for scale and calcium buildup, white vinegar can be used. It is crucial to avoid discharging sewage into the water and to only empty holding tanks into pump-out stations. This helps to keep the waterways clean and disease-free.

When cleaning boat engines, a quality engine cleaner/protectant like WD-40 or Boeshield T-9 can be used. These products protect engine parts by creating a moisture barrier. It is important to follow manufacturer instructions and protect electrical engine parts when using these products.

For the exterior, a simple scrub with soap and water can be sufficient. For more stubborn dirt and grime, a stiff-bristle brush can be used. To protect the gel coat, it is important to avoid using wax on non-slip fibreglass. Instead, a specialized non-skid treatment, such as Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Wax, can be applied.

Glass windows can be effectively cleaned with a simple water and vinegar solution, which is also gentle on the environment. For metal surfaces, a light film of a quality cleaner and sealant can be applied, followed by wiping with a clean cloth.

Overall, by choosing non-toxic, environmentally-friendly products, boat owners can effectively clean their vessels while also protecting the environment and preserving the longevity of their boats.

Choose the right tools for the job

Before you start cleaning your boat, it's important to choose the right tools and products for the job. The type of boat and its composition should be considered when selecting cleaning equipment and products. This ensures that you have the appropriate tools and materials to effectively clean your boat without damaging it.

Brushes

Choose cleaning brushes that are sturdy and can remove stubborn dirt, grime, and salt without damaging the finish or gel coat. Look for brushes with a long, sturdy handle, which will allow you to reach hard-to-clean areas without bending down and provide leverage. The brush portion should be appropriate for the specific application. Avoid using brushes that are too rough, as they can damage the boat's finish. For most situations, a brush with medium-soft bristles will be suitable. Ensure that the bristle material is durable and strong enough to withstand repeated use, sun exposure, cleaning agents, and saltwater.

Buckets, Washing Pads, Mops, Sponges, and Cloths

In addition to brushes, you'll need other necessities such as a bucket (large enough for your brush), washing pads, a mop, sponges, and cloths. Chamois cloths are highly absorbent and ideal for drying your boat without leaving spots or scratches. Store these items in the same place each time for easy access.

Environmentally-Friendly Soap

It's important to select a soap that is tough on dirt, grime, salt, and fish blood, but also environmentally friendly. Avoid using dish soap, as it may not be suitable for marine use. Instead, opt for an effective, biodegradable cleaning agent with a neutral pH factor. If you use your boat in saltwater, it's crucial to completely remove the corrosive salt build-up with soap and freshwater. Follow the written instructions on the cleaning product regarding dilution and usage. Be cautious when using "super concentrated" detergents, as they can strip away and damage finishes if left on for too long.

Other Cleaning Products

For glass and Perspex windows, a simple water and vinegar solution is effective and environmentally friendly. To protect against scratches and damage, apply a clear silicone spray or polish to the windows and clean them with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

To make your metal shine, use quality cleaners and sealants to keep the chrome and stainless steel protected and bright. After applying a light film, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before wiping it off. You can also apply a wax sealer/protectant to create a protective barrier. If your boat's metalwork is pitted or oxidised, apply a metal wax and leave it on overnight before gently scrubbing it off with fine bronze wool.

If you have teak on your boat, regular care is required to maintain its original rich colour and protect the wood. Wash it with a mild detergent, rinse, dry, and apply teak oil. If the teak is worn, gently sand it with a heavier grade of sandpaper followed by a finer grade. Once sanding is complete, clean, dry, and apply teak oil.

For vinyl upholstery, start by cleaning it with a damp cloth to remove grime, dirt, and salt. You can then apply a vinyl cleaner/protectant and wipe the surface again. Once the upholstery is free of dirt and grime, apply a light film of spray-on furniture polish and wipe with a clean cloth. This will help guard against stains and prolong the life of your upholstery. If mildew stains are present, use a deck brush with medium-soft bristles and scrub with a water and ammonia mixture (4 parts water to 1 part ammonia). Rinse with freshwater and repeat if necessary. For tougher stains, there are several effective commercial stain removers available that are suitable for vinyl.

Engine Cleaning Products

It's important to include engine cleaning as part of your annual winterisation ritual. You can choose to do this yourself or have it done by an experienced mechanic. A quality engine cleaner/protectant, such as WD-40 or Boeshield T-9, is usually sufficient for removing accumulated dirt, grime, and grease. These products also create a protective shield from moisture. For older engines with a significant build-up, you may need to use a more powerful degreaser, such as "Gunk". Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and protect or seal electrical engine parts before cleaning. If grease is removed from key engine areas that require lubrication, remember to re-apply grease to these points after cleaning.

Clean the interior (carpet, fibreglass, vinyl, cushions, head)

Carpet

Start by removing any items that might get in the way. Then, use a vacuum to remove loose dirt. Next, scrub the carpet with a stiff-bristle brush, soap, and water. If you have a trailer boat, you can park it on an incline so the dirty water drains away. For larger boats, you may need to use a wet vac to remove the dirty water. Finally, speed-dry the carpet by running the air conditioning and/or fans.

Fibreglass

Fibreglass should be scrubbed with a stiff-bristle brush, soap, and water. Tough stains can be treated with a bleach cleaner, but use sparingly and be sure to thoroughly rinse afterwards. Then, apply a non-skid treatment, such as Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Wax or Woody Wax. These products are polymer-based protectants that add shine without making the surface slippery.

Vinyl

Vinyl should be cleaned with soapy water and a soft cloth after each use. For stubborn stains, use a marine vinyl cleaner, then rinse and finish with a vinyl protectant.

Cushions

First, remove the cushion covers and wash them in cold water. Most non-vinyl cushion covers can be washed in the machine, but avoid hot water and the dryer to prevent shrinkage. Sprinkle baking soda on the foam, let it sit for a few hours, and then shake it off. Next, spray the foam with a mixture of half vinegar and half water, and leave it in a breezy spot for a few days to remove the vinegar smell. Finally, spray the cushions with a hose, wring out the water, respray, and leave to air-dry before putting the covers back on.

Head

Cleaning a boat head is similar to cleaning a toilet at home. To clean the lines, run a few cups of white vinegar through them once a month.

Clean the exterior (hull, gel-coat, canvas)

The exterior of your boat is what most people will see, so it's important to keep it looking good. But more importantly, proper cleaning and maintenance of the exterior will extend the lifespan of your boat and improve its functionality. Here's how to clean the exterior hull, gel-coat, and canvas:

Hull

Hullsides and other smooth gel-coated surfaces need extra care to keep them shiny and prevent oxidation. In the spring, apply two layers of paste wax as a base coat. Once a month, use liquid carnauba wax to make your boat sparkle. After each use, thoroughly wash the hull with "wash 'n wax" soap. If your boat is on a trailer or lift, maintain the hull bottom as you would any other gel-coated surface. If your boat is in a wet slip, you may need to paint the bottom with antifouling paint.

Gel-coat

The gel-coat is the outer surface of a fibreglass boat, and it protects the hull while giving it colour and shine. To clean the gel-coat, start by mixing a cup of detergent with a gallon of warm water. Use a sponge and rubber gloves to wash the surface with this solution. If mildew is present, add a cup of household bleach to the mix. For difficult stains, you may need to use a concentrated cleaner formulated for fibreglass. Rinse the surface thoroughly and let it dry.

To degrease the gel-coat, wipe it down with a rag soaked in MEK or acetone, protecting your hands with rubber gloves. To prolong the life of the gel-coat, keep it coated with wax. Apply the wax with a cloth or foam pad in a circular motion, let it dry, then buff away the excess with a soft cloth. You can also use polish, which is an abrasive that removes the pitted surface. Apply polish with a soft cloth in a small, circular motion until the surface becomes glassy. After polishing, apply a coat of wax for protection and improved gloss.

Canvas

The appearance of your boat's canvas cover can deteriorate over time due to algae spores, UV rays, bird droppings, and wind-borne pollution. To clean the canvas:

• Scrape off loose dirt and gently remove any bird droppings with a household sweeping brush.
• Dampen the seams with fresh water to help the cleaner penetrate the fabric better. You can use a spray bottle for this.
• Apply neat canvas cleaner to your cover with a paintbrush, then use a bristle brush to scrub the cover. Choose the right product for your cover material.
• Work the cleaner into the cover, paying special attention to the seams where dirt and grime can build up.
• Leave the canvas for an hour, then scrub it with a soft-bristle brush and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. For very dirty canvas, you may need to leave the cleaner on for longer to remove stubborn stains.
• Repeat the process if necessary to remove any remaining stains.

To clean canvas windows, use a sponge and warm water to remove salt and grime. Then, use a microbuffer product to remove minor scratches. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth, then remove with a different cloth, working in small circles. Next, use a microcleaner to restore window transparency. Finally, apply a microglaze and plastic window polish to protect the windows from UV rays.

Clean the engine

Keeping your boat engine clean is an important part of boat maintenance. It's not just about having an engine you can be proud of, but also ensuring it continues to perform at its peak. This is especially important if you boat in saltwater environments, as salt deposits can dry on the surface and cause issues.

Preparation

Firstly, make sure the engine is off and properly cooled. You should also inspect the filters, such as the fuel filters, and consider changing them. Check the rubber hoses and their connections, as these need to be in proper working condition. Remove any debris, such as leaves or bugs, with gloves and a paper towel. Finally, cover up any entry points that you don't want to get water in with waterproof, marine-grade tape or plastic.

Cleaning

Apply a de-greaser to the engine to remove grease and make cleaning easier. Combine a mild solution of boat cleaner and water, and use this to wipe down your engine. Once the engine is dry, remove any tape and re-establish any connections you may have taken out.

Washing and Shining

If your boat has an outboard engine, wash and shine the exterior with soap intended for washing boats. You can do this while washing the entire boat. Avoid using dishwashing soap, household cleaners, or industrial cleaners, as these can be harmful to the boat and the environment. Rinse the powerhead with a basic low-pressure spray of water. Avoid high-pressure spray, as this can force water into electrical connections. For a very dirty powerhead, spray it with a light degreaser before rinsing.

Protection

Once the engine is clean and dry, spray a light coat of corrosion guard on all external metal surfaces. Keep water, degreaser, and corrosion guard away from the air intake, alternator, belt, and pulleys.

Professional Help

While some parts of the engine can be cleaned by boat owners, other parts are best left to professionals. A quick wipe of the engine is generally a good idea, but for a deep clean, it is recommended to consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions