Boat Wash: Choosing The Best For Your Vessel

Keeping your boat in good condition is essential, and choosing the right boat wash is a key part of your maintenance routine. The best boat wash for you will depend on several factors, including the type of boat you have, the surfaces you need to clean, and your budget.

Application Type

There are two main types of application when it comes to boat wash: brush application and spray application. Brush application tends to be more time-consuming but can provide better results, as you can put more physical effort into scrubbing away dirt and stains. Spray application, on the other hand, is quick and easy but may not deliver as thorough a clean.

Boat Materials

The type of boat you have will also determine the best boat wash for you. Different boat materials require different types of cleaner. For example, a fiberglass hull will need a different product than a vinyl hull. It's important to check that the boat wash you choose is suitable for the surfaces you intend to clean.

Environmental Impact

As a boater, it's your responsibility to protect the waterways. When choosing a boat wash, opt for products with environmentally-conscious ingredients that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harsh chemicals. These types of products might not perform as well as stronger, more toxic options, but they are better for the environment.

- Star Brite Boat Wash: This is a top-rated boat wash that effectively removes hard-to-remove stains while being gentle on boat surfaces. It can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces and is made with biodegradable ingredients, making it a safe choice for the environment.

- Meguiar's M4364 Marine Boat Wash: This boat wash is ideal for removing scum, grime, and dirt while preserving your boat's wax protection. It has a pH-neutral formula and a pleasant, refreshing scent. Meguiar's is a well-known and trusted brand in the world of boat maintenance.

- Salt-Away Products SA128: This boat wash is specifically designed to remove salt deposits, which can be a common issue for boats. It has a biodegradable, water-based formula and is safe to use on various surfaces, including aluminum, fiberglass, metal, and plastic.

- Aero Cosmetics 777GK: This is a versatile boat wash that can be used on wet or dry surfaces. It's a biodegradable, high-quality cleaner with a non-stick UV-protective coating. It's also economical, as a little goes a long way.

- Boat Juice Boat Wash: This is a spray-on boat wash that's easy to use and delivers excellent results. It cuts through grime and uses a SiO2 ceramic sealant to leave your boat looking clean and fresh. It's safe to use on various surfaces, including gel coat, chrome, glass, plastic, fiberglass, and vinyl.

- 3M Perfect-It Boat Wash: This is a professional-grade boat wash that effectively removes tough dirt, grease, and algae. It's safe to use on gel coat, paint, fiberglass, and metal surfaces and won't harm any protective coatings. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.

- Simple Green Marine All-Purpose Boat Cleaner: This is an environmentally-friendly, all-purpose boat cleaner that's non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-abrasive. It can tackle a wide range of surfaces and is strong enough to cut through oil, petrol, and diesel. It's ideal for those who want an eco-friendly cleaning option.

The best boat wash for saltwater

Saltwater can be harsh on boats, so it's important to use a boat wash that's specifically designed to tackle saltwater deposits and protect your boat from corrosion. Here are some of the best boat washes for saltwater, along with some detailed information about each product:

Meguiar's M4364 Marine/RV Boat Wash

Meguiar's M4364 is a top-rated boat wash that effectively removes scum, dirt, and grime while protecting your boat's exterior. Its pH-balanced formula provides gentle cleaning and its non-streak formula leaves surfaces with a dazzling shine. The product has a pleasant scent and comes in a 64-ounce bottle, making it a cost-efficient option. However, it doesn't come in a smaller size for those who want to try it out first.

Salt-Away Products SA128 Cleanser Concentrate

Salt-Away Products SA128 is a cleanser concentrate specifically designed to tackle salt deposits. It is a water-based, biodegradable formula that effectively removes salt and rust buildup. This product is safe to use on various surfaces, including aluminum, fiberglass, metal, rubber, plastic, and painted surfaces. It helps extend the lifespan of your boat by protecting it from corrosion. However, it is a bit pricey compared to other brands.

Meguiar's M4232 Flagship Premium Wash-N-Wax

Meguiar's M4232 is a 2-in-1 boat wash and wax that combines superior soap with a potent wax. It effectively removes salt spray, dirt, grime, and bird droppings while leaving a protective layer on surfaces. The product is biodegradable and safe to use on various materials, including metal, fiberglass, gel coating, vinyl, and plastic. However, it comes in a 32-ounce bottle, which may not be as economical as other concentrated formulas.

Star Brite Boat Wash

Star Brite Boat Wash is a powerful and potent concentrated formula that can clean a 24-foot boat with just three capfuls of liquid. It is biodegradable and safe for the environment. While it only comes in one scent, it is affordable and effective, making it our top overall pick.

Better Boat Premium Boat Soap

Better Boat Premium Boat Soap is ideal for boats exposed to both fresh and saltwater. It safely removes sludge, mud, droppings, and salt from surfaces like fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum. The concentrated formula yields over 100 washes, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. However, it doesn't have a refreshing scent, which some users may prefer.

H&M OPW2 OrPine Boat Soap and Wax

H&M OPW2 OrPine is a powerful concentrated boat soap and wax that can clean an average-sized boat with just one ounce of the product mixed with three gallons of water. It effectively removes saltwater deposits and shields metal surfaces. The formula is biodegradable and safe for the environment, and it leaves a pleasant pine scent. However, it may take longer to remove mildew and mold buildup.

The best boat wash for fibreglass

Star Brite Boat Wash

Star Brite's Boat Wash is a powerful, concentrated formula that efficiently removes tough stains like dried-off fish blood, tar, scum, exhaust smudge, and gas stains. It is safe for both interior and exterior surfaces, including vinyl, decks, hulls, fittings, and chrome. This biodegradable boat wash is also environmentally-friendly and affordable, making it a popular choice for boaters.

Meguiar's M4364 Marine RV Boat Wash

Meguiar's M4364 is a gentle, yet effective boat wash with a long-lasting sudsing action. Its rich conditioners leave a refreshing scent and a dazzling finish. This biodegradable formula is safe for all surfaces and effectively removes dirt, grime, and scum without stripping away wax protection. However, it requires protective gear to avoid skin and eye irritation.

Better Boat Premium Boat Soap

The Better Boat Premium Boat Soap is a versatile, concentrated formula that works on both fresh and saltwater boats. It safely removes sludge, mud, droppings, and salt from various surfaces, including fibreglass, vinyl, aluminium, and non-skid decks. Eco-friendly and biodegradable, this soap is kind to the environment and offers exceptional value, with one bottle lasting for over a hundred washes.

Meguiar's M4232 Flagship Premium Wash-and-Wax

Meguiar's M4232 is a versatile, premium wash-and-wax formula that removes contaminants and provides a protective wax layer. It works on multiple surfaces, including fibreglass, metal, gel coat, and vinyl, without requiring extra scrubbing. Biodegradable and non-detergent, this formula is safe for the environment and will not strip away wax. However, it produces low suds, which some users may find inconvenient.

Salt-Away Products Cleanser Concentrate

Salt-Away's cleanser concentrate is ideal for removing salt deposits and preventing rust formation. It is safe for various surfaces, including fibreglass, and can be used as a motor flush for inboard, outboard, and personal engines. Biodegradable and non-toxic, this formula is kind to the environment and will not strip away wax coatings. However, it may be costly for those looking for a smaller quantity.

MaryKate Boat Wash

MaryKate's Boat Wash is a powerful formula designed specifically for fibreglass boats. It effectively removes stains, barnacles, algae, and other contaminants from the hull and bottom of the boat. While it is excellent for removing tough stains, it may not be suitable if you're looking for a product that adds shine to your boat.

These boat washes are just a few of the many options available for fibreglass boats. When choosing a boat wash, consider your boat's specific needs, the type of stains you need to address, and the level of protection you desire. Always follow the instructions and take the necessary precautions when using these cleaning products.

The best boat wash for aluminium

Aluminium boats are prone to oxidation, corrosion, and staining, so a good aluminium boat wash is essential to keep your vessel in good condition. Aluminium boat washes are designed to remove these unwanted contaminants and deposits, and some can even act as a pre-treatment for polishing or painting.

Star Brite Aluminium Cleaner

Star Brite's aluminium cleaner and restorer comes in a 64-ounce sprayer, making it easy to apply. It's designed to clean and restore stained aluminium surfaces and is especially effective at removing dirt, oxidation, lime deposits, and waterline stains. Its unique foaming action ensures uniform coverage, but you need to be careful not to overspray, as this can cause drip marks. This product is also biodegradable and safe to use, but it's important to wear protective gear and keep it out of the reach of children.

Quality Chemical Aluminium Cleaner

This USA-made aluminium cleaner, brightener, and restorer comes in a 1-gallon bottle and is highly concentrated, making it quick and effective at cleaning and brightening aluminium surfaces. It can be used on boats, trailers, and RVs and is safe for machinery and parts. While it's not suitable for glass, polished aluminium, or coated surfaces, it's a powerful cleaner that will quickly restore your aluminium boat.

Toon-Brite Aluminium Cleaner

Toon-Brite's aluminium cleaner comes in a 64-ounce or 1-gallon bottle and includes a handy 3-finger trigger sprayer. It's designed to remove lighter deposits like water scum, algae, lime, oxidation, and dirt. You only need a small amount to clean even the most stubborn stains, and it's safe for painted aluminium boat surfaces. It's also environmentally friendly and biodegradable. However, it may require more product and repeated applications for heavy stains, and it's not recommended for use on hot days as it can leave streaks.

Sharkhide Aluminium Cleaner

Sharkhide's aluminium cleaner is a strong concentrate in a 32-ounce bottle. It's safe to use on various aluminium boat exteriors and can be used full-strength or diluted with freshwater. It's easy to spray and rinse off, and it leaves a streak-free finish. However, it's important to note that it's corrosive, so you should avoid contact with glass and coated or anodized aluminium.

3M Marine Aluminium Restorer

3M's marine aluminium restorer and polish is an 18-ounce bottle designed to brighten and restore the shine of bare, painted, and brushed aluminium. It's highly concentrated and effective at removing heavy oxidation and chalking. It works on both freshwater and saltwater environments and is great for pontoons and aluminium fishing boats. However, it's not suitable for coated, galvanized, anodized, or matte aluminium, and it can irritate the skin and eyes, so protective gear is necessary.

Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner

Star Brite's instant hull cleaner comes in a 32-ounce bottle and is safe and easy to use, even on fiberglass, metal, and painted aluminium. It removes rust stains, fish blood, and scum lines and can be sprayed or wiped on. However, it contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful to the eyes, skin, and overall health, so it's important to wear protective gear and keep it away from children.

Bio-Kleen M00109 Aluminium Cleaner

Bio-Kleen's aluminium cleaner comes in a 1-gallon package and is designed for pontoons and aluminium boats. It's mild but effective at removing oxidation, stains, and marine build-up. It's also safe for the environment and can be used on trucks and other vehicles. However, it may not be powerful enough for heavy stains, and it won't polish or restore surfaces.

JJV'S BEST ALU100-G Aluminium Cleaner

JJV'S BEST aluminium cleaner is a specially formulated marine-grade cleaner that comes in a 1-gallon container. It's acid-free, non-abrasive, and non-toxic, making it safe for both users and the environment. It's easy to spray and rinse off and is effective at removing dirt and grime from bare aluminium boats and pontoons. However, it's not suitable for coated, anodized, painted, or matte aluminium.

Bosh Chemical Aluma Bright Aluminium Cleaner

Bosh Chemical's Aluma Bright aluminium cleaner and brightener is a 1-gallon concentrate designed to clean, brighten, and restore aluminium surfaces. It's highly concentrated and can be diluted with freshwater to make 2 gallons of mixture. It's easy to apply with a pump sprayer, and it foams up to remove stains, carbon, road salt, and more. However, it doesn't leave a polished look, and it's important to note that it's not suitable for coated or polished aluminium.

TotalBoat Aluminium Boat Etch Wash

TotalBoat's aluminium boat wash is a unique etching treatment formula that prepares aluminium surfaces for primer and finish coats. It improves finish adhesion and is compatible with bare aluminium, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. It's easy to apply by spraying or brushing, and it's non-flammable and chromate-free. However, it's not suitable for fiberglass or wood surfaces.

The best eco-friendly boat wash

Star Brite Sea Safe Boat Wash

Star Brite's Sea Safe Boat Wash is a super-concentrated, biodegradable formula that instantly removes dirt, grime, salt deposits, and more without removing wax or polish. It is safe for use on fiberglass, vinyl, metal, glass, plastic, rubber, and painted surfaces. The product is also phosphate-free and does not contain any harsh chemicals.

Better Boat Boat Soap

The Better Boat Boat Soap is an eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable boat soap concentrate that easily removes dirt, grease, and grime without hard scrubbing. It is safe for use in hot or cold, fresh or saltwater, and can be used to clean everything, including the hull, decks, cushions, life preservers, pots and pans, galleys, and bathrooms.

Boater's EDGE Wash

Boater's EDGE Wash is a biodegradable boat soap concentrate that safely removes dirt, fish blood, salt deposits, road grime, exhaust smudges, and waterline stains. It is safe for use on fiberglass, metal, plastic, vinyl, and all painted surfaces, leaving them sparkling. It is also non-streaking and leaves zero residue.

Star Brite Super Orange Citrus Boat Wash

The Star Brite Super Orange Citrus Boat Wash is a biodegradable formula that removes dirt, oil, and grease from fiberglass, metal, and painted surfaces. The citrus extract formula is tough on dirt but gentle on the surface being cleaned. It will not remove wax or polish and works in fresh and saltwater.

Gold Eagle 303 Marine Boat Wash with UV Protectant

The Gold Eagle 303 Marine Boat Wash is an ultra-concentrated, pH-neutral, and 100% biodegradable wash formula that provides 30-day UV protection while removing dirt, salt, grime, and stains. It is safe for the environment and waterways and can be used on fiberglass, painted surfaces, and gel-coats.

Mothers 91532 Marine Wash and Wax

The Mothers 91532 Marine Wash and Wax is a biodegradable and environmentally-friendly boat soap product that works best for boat and RV exteriors. It provides a hassle-free rinsing and bright glossy sheen while also applying wax protection to the surface's finish. It is also pH-balanced, ensuring safe cleaning that won't leave scratches.

The best boat wash for rust

There are a few options for boat washes that can help you tackle rust. Here are some of the best products on the market:

Salt-Away Products Cleanser Concentrate

Salt-Away's cleanser concentrate is a motor flush that comes in a 1-gallon bottle. It's a water-based, biodegradable formula that effectively removes old salt and rust buildup. It's safe to use on various surfaces, including aluminum, fiberglass, metal, rubber, and plastic. This product is also ideal for removing salt deposits from your boat's windows, improving your view during fishing trips.

Star Brite Boat Wash

The Star Brite Boat Wash is a versatile option that can be used on both the interior and exterior of your boat. It effectively removes hard-to-remove stains like fish blood, tar, and gas stains. It's safe to use on different surfaces, including vinyl, decks, hulls, and chrome rails. This boat wash is also biodegradable, making it a guilt-free choice for cleaning your boat in water.

Meguiar's M4232 Flagship Premium Wash-and-Wax

If you're looking for a boat wash that also provides a protective wax layer, Meguiar's M4232 is a great option. It removes salt, scum, and fresh and old stains while leaving a protective wax layer to shield your boat from UV rays and corrosion. This product is safe to use on fiberglass, metal, gel coat, and clear plastics. It's also biodegradable, making it environmentally friendly.

MaryKate Boat Wash

The MaryKate Boat Wash is specifically designed for hulls and bottoms of boats. It can effectively remove stains, barnacles, and algae, leaving the bottom side of your boat clean and smooth. However, it's meant for fiberglass surfaces only.

H&M OPW2 Orpine Boat Soap

The H&M OPW2 Orpine Boat Soap is a versatile option that can be used on both the interior and exterior of your boat. It effectively removes dirt and salt deposits and leaves a protective layer of wax. It works on various surfaces, including fiberglass, gel coat, windows, wood, plastic, and painted surfaces. It also helps prevent rust by keeping metal surfaces clean.

Frequently asked questions