StorageDirect

We offer boat storage as one of our core services. To help you look after your boat, we've written this guide for keeping your boat sparkling clean.

Tips on Cleaning Your Boat

So many boat owners go to the extreme when it comes to getting their boats cleaned. They give the impression that they spend a lot more time brushing and rubbing the vessels than they use them for fishing or cruising. Although it is definitely important to keep a craft clean, it doesn't require you to spend countless hours trying to give it a new look. You only need to have the right products or tools and to giving your boat a regular and efficient cleaning. Even though a little bit of "elbow oil" doesn't harm, the solution is not to clean your boat harder, but smarter. This implies coming up with a cleaning schedule which is effective, and turning this ritual into a habit every after a trip. Below are some of the tips which can help you to preserve the good looks of your boat and at the same time protect it from the unkind marine environment.

Choose the Right Equipment for Cleaning
Before deciding on which products and equipment you are to use for cleaning, take note of your boat type and what it is composed of. This will guarantee that you have got the right materials and tools to get the job done. Select well-built cleaning brushes which are able to do away with stubborn grime, salt and dirt without causing any damages to your boat's finish or gel coat. In addition to the brush, ensure that you have got a bucket big enough for the brush, a mop, washing pads, sponges, towels and chamois plus soap which is bio-degradable and not that which you use to clean your utensils back home.

Prepare for Cleaning
First rinse the boat off entirely before attempting to apply any cleaning agents onto the boat. Scrubbing a dry boat puts it at a risk of getting its gel coat or finish damaged. While cleaning, work down from the top. Don't apply water and soap on all portions of the boat at once or else some parts will be dry by the time you come to scrubbing them. For a boat which is outboard powered, ensure to lather up and clean the motor, motor mounts and prop area to get rid of the dirt and salt which might be accumulating there. You can use the same cleaning solution and long handled brush used on the hull when you come to cleaning the deck. The drying cloths that you choose to use should be highly absorbent with the ability to soak water up without scratching or strapping. Dry the boat right away after rinsing and washing to prevent spotting.

Cleaning the Engine
Cleaning the engine of the boat should be one of your winterization rituals. You can either do it yourself or hire professional mechanic to do it alongside other winterization tasks. When doing it, ensure that the manufacturers' instructions are carefully followed.

Apply some Quality Wax
This can be done after completely drying your boat and the purpose is to protect and give a shiny look to the fiber glass.

Perspex and Glass Windows
Ensure not to use materials that can heavily scratch the Perspex and glass. You can apply a silicon polish or spray to them and use a non-abrasive soft cloth to clean them.

Shine up your Metal
Apply a light film of cleaner and leave it for about 20 minutes and swab it off using a clean cloth. Applying some quality wax protectant/sealant will help to shield it from harsh elements. For boats whose metal work is oxidized or pitted, quality wax can be applied to the affected area and gently rubbed off after an overnight from the application time.

Cleaning the Carpeting
This should be performed periodically using a vacuum and spot cleaner. There are specialized hose attachments which can be used to remove dirt and dust form places which are hard to reach.

Follow these procedures and you’ll have a clean boat in no time which looks great. Take your time when cleaning and do a good job. Clean your boat at least once per year for best results.