How to Clean a Boat: Boat Cleaning Basics
You love your boat for a number of reasons, including all the recreation and adventure it provides you with. Each time you head out for an on-water excursion, your hull grows a bit dirtier. If your vessel has a cabin, the daily wear and tear can also take a toll. There’s no arguing that a clean boat is the most appealing option to take out on the water and your passengers will surely appreciate it. You can spare yourself some potentially expensive repairs by regularly cleaning your boat. You’ll remove harmful residues that can lead to corrosion. This also allows you to take a closer look at your craft so you can catch small issues and fix them before they become much more problematic.
Riva Motorsports and Marine of the Keys is proud to be your local boat dealership in Key Largo, FL. We’ve gathered some helpful boat cleaning tips below. If you’re still in the market for the perfect vessel, stop by and browse our inventory today!
Gather Supplies
In order to make the process as easy as possible, you’ll want to first take some time to gather your supplies. Park your boat over level concrete or gravel with adequate drainage. You should try and find a spot out of direct sunlight and far away from plant life as salt and debris can damage the lawn. Be sure you have access to a long hose with fresh water and a spray nozzle. Bring a bucket, marine soap, sponges, soft brushes, chamois clothes, trash bags, a mop, and polish or wax to coat the hull when you’re done. Always use a mild cleaner on your boat as opposed to a highly concentrated formula that’s environmentally toxic and potentially corrosive.
Tidy Up
You’ll want to take a quick walk through your boat and gather all the items that don’t need to be there, such as water skis, inner tubes, fishing gear, swimsuits, wet towels, and so on. You can return these items once the craft has been cleaned. Throw away garbage, including any food items that can bring pests if left in the cabin. Sweep dust and leaves off the deck. As you walk through, it’s also smart to make a list of any safety supplies that need to be restocked. Take note of your emergency gear and life jackets to ensure everything is still in good shape.
Rinse Off
Before you can begin washing the boat, you’ll need to rinse it down. In a perfect world, you’re doing this after each trip on the water. When you regularly cruise in saltwater environments, you’ll need to find the time to rinse off your vessel upon returning to land to spare yourself expensive repairs.
Begin Washing
You’re officially ready to start washing the boat. Grab a soft-bristle brush and your marine wash. Begin scrubbing the hull by working in small sections and rinsing as you go to prevent residue. Make a point to work from top to bottom so you’re not sending dirty water over the parts you’ve already washed. Be as thorough as you can. You have the option of allowing your boat to air dry after rinsing. You can also use chamois clothes or an air compressor to speed up the process.
Wax The Hull
If you really want to go above and beyond in your cleaning efforts, you can apply a high-quality marine wax to your boat. You should at least try to do this twice a year to keep your hull protected from residue, salt, and sun damage. Use a soft cloth to gently buff the wax, which will build a protective layer on the hull. Your boat will gleam when you’re finished to let you know you did the job well.
It might seem daunting at first but with a bit of planning and effort, boat cleaning can be a simple task. For more tips, give us a call! We’ve also got an impressive selection of boats, outboards, and powersports for sale. Visit us in the Florida Keys today! Riva Motorsports and Marine of the Keys is conveniently located in Key Largo, FL.
