Tips for Washing Your Boat

Each time you take your boat out on the water, it returns to the dock with a little grime. All that gunk does more than just spoil your vessel's appearance. Left too long, it can actually start to damage your boat with mildew and corrosion. That's why regular cleaning is so important. Washing your boat isn't tough, but there are a lot of steps to remember.

Here at RVs and Boats For Less, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created this quick guide, so that you'll never miss a step. For all your boating needs, feel free to give us a call or visit our dealership. We are located in Chubbuck, ID, and we welcome all those coming from Idaho Falls.

Why Should You Clean Your Boat?

One of your key responsibilities is to rinse your vessel after each voyage. This gets rid of immediate grime buildup before it can become harder to remove. This step is crucial if you venture into saltwater since the salt buildup can corrode parts of your boat. When you are ready to start cleaning your craft, you'll want to rinse it one more time.

Your goal should be to wash off any dirt and oil residue. When you do this, you'll wash away loose debris before it has a chance to crust onto your boat and permanently damage the finish. This is a quick and easy process. You’ll have to do it after each voyage, but it’s going to save you a lot more effort in terms of repairs that might be needed if you allow grime to build up. Not to mention the fact that you won’t have to work so hard when it’s time to scrub!

Prep Work

A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to cleaning your boat. You’ll find the process to be much smoother this way. You can start by rinsing your boat after returning to the dock from a long day spent on the water. Even if you were simply cruising around in salt water, this is still a critical step because the salt can cause corrosion over time. Rinsing your boat also decreases grime buildup, which makes your life easier when you start cleaning.

Cleaning the Exterior

Once you are ready to start the deeper cleaning aspect, grab a marine boat wash and soft-bristle brush. Make sure you seek out these specific types of products because they won’t damage the paint or hull. Car wash soap can work if you’re in a bind but you’re definitely better off with a wash that is designed for use on boats. Whatever you choose to use, be sure that it won’t remove wax.

Clean in small sections so you can rinse the soap off before it starts to dry. If you take on large areas at a time, the soap can dry and leave unappealing streaks that’ll damage your finish. Start at the top and gradually work your way down to the bottom. The better and more thorough you are with your cleaning now, the better protection you’ll have when you go to wax your boat. If you happen to be in a rush, you can let the water air dry after you’ve rinsed the soap off. Leather or synthetic chamois or even a squeegee blade will work great for removing excess water so you don’t leave spots all over the place.

Waxing Your Boat

It’s best to wax your boat twice during a season. You can apply a coat before you store it for winter, and then again when you remove it from storage. Waxing offers many wonderful benefits for boat maintenance. For starters, it makes it much harder for dirt and salt to stick to your boat. It also adds a protective layer to guard against debris and grime, which means less frequent detailing for you. As an added bonus, your boat will have a superb shine and look quite appealing.

Make sure you use a wax that is specifically for use on boats. Cars don’t experience constant contact with water as boats do so their wax isn’t meant to endure plenty of water. Boat waxes are formulated to handle the high amount of water contact that boats are used to. Remember that cheaper liquid and spray-on wax products are cheap for a reason. They don’t offer nearly as much protection. You should also polish your boat, which removes oxidation from the gel coat and gives it an extra shine. Many waxes out there also include a polish but if yours doesn't, you might want to buy a separate polish.

Final Touches

There are just a few final touches to consider, like cleaning your upholstery and vinyl. Strong cleaners like bleach and ammonia get the job done quickly. However, they can also damage the material with time, so opt for a sponge soaked with mild soapy water instead. You should also clean your windows and a simple glass cleaner will work just fine. Streak-free products are ideal so you can see out the windows to the crystal blue waters clearly. Use a vacuum or broom to collect any dust or debris that might be on the floors of the boat.

The experts at RVs and Boats For Less are ready to help you with all your boating needs. Give us a call or stop by our location in Chubbuck, Idaho. We proudly serve all those in Pocatello, ID, so get in touch with us today!