Boating enthusiasts understand that maintaining their boat’s exterior is just as important as ensuring the engine is working. One aspect of this maintenance is cleaning the boat properly. Here’s a guide on how to clean your boat without damaging it.
Step One: Gather the necessary equipment
Before starting, ensure that you have all the necessary equipment. You will require a bucket filled with clean water, a hose, a soft sponge, a marine-grade soap, and a boat brush. Be sure to check the label of the soap to make sure it’s appropriate for a boat’s exterior.
Step Two: Rinse the boat
The first step is to rinse the boat with a hose to remove any loose debris and dirt. This rinsing helps to avoid scratching paint or the boat’s gel coat because they could dislodge any debris.
Step Three: Mix the soap with water
Next, dilute the marine-grade soap in the water bucket with instructions as per the label. It is advised to use clockwise movements with the sponge while applying soap to the hull.
Step Four: Clean the boat with a soft sponge
Dunk the sponge in the bucket and apply the soapy water to the boat’s surface. Start at the top of the boat and work your way down towards the bottom, ensuring to get around floats and tight spaces. Try to avoid squeezing the sponge into the soap bucket because this will cause dirt and debris to settle at the bottom of it. Instead, dip the sponge into the soap bucket and squeeze out the excess.
Step Five: Scrub the boat with a boat brush
A boat brush is most helpful when cleaning the waterline to remove any algae or scum buildup. Continue cleaning with the brush; ensure the bristles are soft enough to avoid scratching the gel coat or paint. A brush with stiff bristles should be used only for non-skid areas like a deck.
Step Six: Rinse the boat with clean water
When you finish cleaning, rinse the boat with clean water to remove all soap residues. Taking extra time during this step to ensure there is no remaining soap residue is particularly important. Soap residue can leave streaks and spots on the surface, making it more challenging to clean on the subsequent wash.
Step Seven: Dry the boat with clean towels
The final step is to dry the boat using clean towels or a chamois. This step ensures that the boat’s surface has no water spots or streaks and prevents particulate matter like dust and dirt to stick to the boat’s surface.
In Conclusion
Cleaning your boat may seem like a tedious task. However, it’s crucial to maintain it properly. Often, boat owners forget that washing their boat with regular house cleaning chemicals can cause damage or harm the surface. Marine-grade products are optimal for a boat’s specific needs, so it’s best to use those. Remember, taking care of your boat is pivotal to extend its lifespan and guarantee a quality time on the water.