Boat Washing Basics

Keeping your vessel free from dirt, grime and marine scum will help protect it from the harsh impact of the sun and sea. It will also add years of life to its finish.

The key to taking the chore out of washing your boat is to wash and detail it thoroughly once a year, wash and wax it regularly in season and to rinse it with fresh water after each use.

There are a variety of wash and wax products on the market that make washing and waxing a boat much less labor intensive than in the past. Just be sure to select a quality boat wash and wax that contains carnauba wax, yet has a formula mild enough to not harm the existing wax, gelcoat or paint. Click here for information on premium products.

Here's what you need

• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• 5-clean rags or towels
• Mop
• Long-handled, soft-bristled brush
  
• Large sponge
  
• Squeegie
  
• Carnauba-bases Wash and Wax
  

Other helpful products

• Metal polish
  
• Black streak remover
  
• Bilge cleaner and degreaser
  
• Vinyl cleaner-protectant
  
• Windshield water repellant
  
• Fabric waterproofer and protectant
  
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• Hose down the vessel from top to bottom, then bow to stern.
  
  
• Mix wash and wax concentrate into about 3 gallons of water.
  
  
• Soak sponge, then use on vertical areas in a circular motion.
  
  
• Mop the deck and hard to reach areas.
  
  
• Wash and rinse one area at a time with fresh water. This will prevent the cleaning solution to sun-drying, causing soap scum buildup.
  
  
• Use clean rags or towels to dry each area before moving to the next section. This will prevent water drop evaporation that causes waterspots.
  
  
• A good metal polish will remove spotting on boat railings, flybridge ladders, bimini poles and fishing rod holders. More on fixtures
  
  
• Black streak remover will erase streaks on the hull caused by draining water, dock pilings and waterline scum. Just spray and wipe.
  
  
• Black streak remover is also ideal for taking care of scuff marks on the deck.
  

• Sponge dirt, grime and stains from the shift controls and in the helm area.
  

• Use a degreaser to remove the crud, soot and oil from the engine transom and the boat's exhaust pipe area.
  
  
• Clean mildew from under the cushions, personal flotation devices and other fabric, vinyl or leather equipment. Remember to check the crevices. Cushions and like equipment should be washed, dried and treated with a protecting solution to shield damage from, mold, mildew, ultraviolet rays and discoloration. Apply a waterproofer and protectant to prevent further buildup. More on cushions
  
  
• Mildew and grime also accumulate on hatches and in storage areas. Use the sponge to swab these areas as well. Don't forget the drainwater channels that lie under hatches and also the hatch seals.
  
  
• Wash and dry the windshield. More on special treatment
  
  Finish the boat washing project by cleaning the bilge with a quality, biodegradable degreaser.
  

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Fixtures

Stainless steel, brass and aluminum hardware such as rod holders, cleats and deck plates should also be washed, dried and polished to thwart corrosion and rust.

Heller Glanz also makes a quality liquid metal polish to remove oxidation and protect marine hardware while giving it a mirror shine.

Liquid metal polishes go on easy and are just as easily removed. Top of the line metal polishes contain a premium wax that adds a protective coat to hardware surfaces.

Windshield

Don't neglect the windshield ... it needs more than a washing.

A good water repellent not only creates a film that allows rain to roll off the surface, but it also prevents fogging to avoid visibility problems in inclement weather.

You can also treat plastic portholes.

Boat Cushions

Quality vinyl and leather cleaners and protectors can be easily applied and wiped off with a clean cloth. The better products also work well on rubber and plastic surfaces. I

Regular maintenance of boat cushions prevents the damaging growth of mold and mildew. Keeping them clean and treated also retards cracking and fading.

Cushions should be kept as dry as possible and stored upright and/or out of the elements ... this is particularly important if the cushions are made of canvas and similar cloth materials. Fabric cushions should be treated with a water repellent to prevent soaking and the growth of mold and mildew.

Boat Cleaning Products

Serious boaters understand the satisfaction felt when they finish washing and waxing their boats. They know that the chore takes time from their time on the water. But they also know that is time well spent because they understand the value of maintaining a clean vessel.

The worst thing that can happen to serious boaters is to discover that all their efforts were wasted because they didn't use a premium marine wash and wax product. Quality marine products are designed to make boat washing easy and effective ... unlike some products that clean, but dull the gel coat finish.

The best boat washing products are environmentally-friendly, easy to use and engineered to enhance a gel coat finish.

You can't go wrong if you choose any of the following premium marine carnauba wash and wax products. They are available at quality specialty marine supply stores near you.