Spring Cleaning: The Best Time To Detail Your Boat

Cleaning your boat is not just a matter of vanity; it's essential for maintaining its functionality and extending its lifespan. The best time to clean your boat depends on several factors, including the type of boat, the climate, and its usage frequency. However, there are some general guidelines and best practices to ensure your boat is maintained in top shape. Firstly, it is recommended to clean your boat after each use, especially if it has been in saltwater or stored in the water, as this can lead to a buildup of salt, mildew, and mould. Regular cleaning of the hull is crucial, with intervals ranging from every two weeks to once a month, depending on the boat's usage and storage conditions. Additionally, it is important to pay special attention to the interior, including carpets, cushions, and toilets, as these areas can get dirty quickly and require specific care.

Clean after each use if not stored in water

If you don't keep your boat stored in the water, it is recommended to wash it after each use. This is because boats can quickly become covered in salt, mildew, and mould, which can cause damage to the vinyl, cushions, and canvas. To prevent this, you should do a thorough wash from top to bottom and front to back using a proper marine-grade boat soap with a proper pH balance.

Firstly, remove everything that is in the way and use a vacuum to remove any loose dirt. Then, scrub the interior with a stiff-bristle brush, soap, and water. For carpets, you can give them an old-fashioned scrub-down. After scrubbing, remove the dirty water. For trailer boats, you can park on an incline so the water drains away via gravity. For larger boats, you may need to use a wet vac to suck up the remaining water. Finally, speed-dry by running the air conditioning and/or fans.

Next, scrub the exterior with soap and water, focusing on the deck hardware and the pulleys. Spray water at the pulleys to clean them and also get the mechanism that self-steers. 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, including the hull. Before you finish rinsing, spray the hull too. Beware of using too much water pressure, as you don't want the water to penetrate between the hatches. After the first rinse, wait for the boat to dry and then rinse again. Once rinsed, sponge and wipe the boat down.

Finally, to protect your boat, you can apply a specialised treatment, such as a non-skid deck wax.

Wash monthly if stored in uncovered slip

If your boat is stored in an uncovered slip, it's recommended to wash it at least once a month. This is to prevent bird droppings from staining the gel coat and to stop harsh water spots from forming.

Bird droppings contain uric acid, which can eat away at the finish of your boat and cause permanent damage. Additionally, water spots can be difficult to remove and can also cause staining. By washing your boat monthly, you can prevent these issues and maintain the appearance and value of your vessel.

When washing your boat, it's important to use the right products and techniques. Use a marine-grade boat soap with the proper pH balance to ensure you're not causing any damage to the gel coat or other surfaces. Pay special attention to the windows, making sure to wash, rinse, and dry them thoroughly. It's also crucial to rinse off any salt water from your boat after each use, as salt can cause corrosion and leave behind unsightly and damaging salt deposits.

In addition to washing your boat, regular waxing is essential to protect the gel coat and other surfaces. Apply a coat of wax to the exterior surfaces, including the hull and gel coat, to create a protective barrier against the elements. This will help your boat resist staining and water spots, and will also enhance its shine.

By following these monthly washing and maintenance tips, you can ensure your boat remains in top condition and retains its value over time.

Rinse off saltwater spray

Rinsing your boat with fresh water after a day out at sea is crucial to maintaining its longevity and value. Saltwater spray, if left on the boat, can cause irreversible damage to the metal, paint, and gel coat. The salt crystals act as miniature magnifying glasses, allowing the sun's UV rays to etch into the boat's surface. Therefore, rinsing off the saltwater spray after each use is essential to protecting your boat.

• Use a Washdown System: If your boat has a saltwater or freshwater washdown system, use it while you're out on the water. It will be much easier to rinse off blood, slime, and saltwater spray while it's still wet. If you don't have a washdown system, you can use a long-handled boat brush dipped in the water.
• Rinse with Fresh Water: Before starting a wash job, thoroughly rinse your boat with fresh water. This will help remove salt crystals that can scratch surfaces. Make sure to rinse the entire boat, including windows and metal components, and, if applicable, the trailer frame, bunks, and hubs.
• Choose the Right Brush: When scrubbing your boat, select the appropriate brush to avoid damage. White bristle attachments are coarse and stiff, making them ideal for scouring non-skid and other uneven surfaces. Blue brushes are medium-soft and suitable for smooth gel coats, while yellow brushes are extremely soft and meant for easily scratched surfaces like outboard cowlings or enclosures.
• Use Boat Soap: After rinsing, wash the boat with soapy water using a suitable boat soap. Choose a soap that won't remove wax unless you plan to reapply it. Wash the boat in sections, starting from the top, and remember to scrub the fish boxes to avoid a smelly surprise later.
• Rinse and Dry: After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the soap off with fresh water. For a spotless finish, use a leather or synthetic chamois or a squeegee blade to remove excess water and prevent water spots on gel coats, brightwork, engines, and electronic screens. If time is a factor, you can let the boat air dry.
• Protect and Maintain: Once the boat is clean and dry, you can apply specialty products like aluminum polish and vinyl coatings to enhance and protect metal parts and vinyl surfaces. Always test new products in a small, concealed area first to ensure they don't cause adverse reactions or staining.

Remember, rinsing your boat with fresh water and regularly maintaining it will help extend its lifespan and preserve its value. By following these steps and tips, you can effectively remove saltwater spray and keep your boat in top condition.

Regularly clean the interior

Keeping the interior of your boat clean is essential for maintaining a healthy environment, preventing damage, and preserving the value of your vessel. Here are some detailed tips to help you regularly clean the interior of your boat:

Vacuum and Scrub the Carpet

Start by removing any items that may obstruct your cleaning. Then, use a vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris from the carpet. Follow this by scrubbing the carpet with a stiff-bristle brush, soap, and water to remove any remaining dirt and stains. For boats with extensive carpeting, this process will ensure a thorough clean.

Maintain Vinyl Surfaces

Use a soft cloth and soapy water to gently wash vinyl surfaces after each use. Avoid strong chemical cleaners, as they can strip away the anti-microbial treatments on modern marine vinyl. For stubborn stains, use a marine vinyl cleaner and scrub the affected area. Rinse the vinyl surfaces thoroughly and finish with a vinyl protectant to restore shine and protect the material.

Freshen Interior Cushions

Remove the cushion covers and wash them separately in cold water. Most non-vinyl cushion covers can be machine washed, but avoid using hot water or a dryer to prevent shrinkage. For the foam cushions, sprinkle baking soda on all sides and let it sit for a few hours before shaking it off. Next, lightly spray the foam with a mixture of half vinegar and half water. Place the cushions in a breezy spot for a few days to eliminate any vinegar odour. Finally, rinse, wring out, and air-dry the cushions before putting the covers back on.

Clean the Heads (Toilets)

Cleaning the marine toilets is similar to cleaning household toilets. However, to address scale and calcium buildup in the lines, run a few cups of white vinegar through them once a month. This will help prevent any unpleasant surprises and keep your toilet functioning properly.

Wipe Down Stainless Steel and Varnished Teak

Saltwater can be particularly damaging to stainless steel and varnished teak surfaces. To prevent corrosion and the formation of "pox" (rust), wipe down these surfaces with boat cleaning supplies after each trip. This simple step will help protect your boat's interior from the harmful effects of saltwater.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively clean and maintain the interior of your boat. Regular cleaning will not only keep your boat looking its best but also ensure a pleasant and safe environment for you and your guests.

Dry boat and equipment thoroughly

Drying your boat and equipment is a crucial step in the cleaning process. It is important to let everything dry thoroughly between uses, especially if you plan to move to a different body of water. This is because invasive species can survive in small amounts of water and cause significant ecosystem damage if transported to new locations.

To ensure your boat and equipment are thoroughly dried, follow these steps:

• After rinsing your boat, wait for it to dry, and then rinse again. Salt crystals can be stubborn and may require a few minutes to dissolve in water.
• Once the boat has been rinsed a second time, use a sponge or cloth to wipe down all surfaces. It is important to ensure that the boat is still wet before doing this step to prevent salt crystals from damaging the paint or gel coat.
• Finally, let the boat air-dry completely before putting away or covering any equipment.
• If possible, store your boat in a covered area to minimise the effects of salt air and other outdoor elements.

By taking the time to thoroughly dry your boat and equipment, you can help protect our waterways and ecosystems by preventing the spread of invasive species.

Frequently asked questions