\n<\/p>\n
You love the water. But you can\u2019t wait to hop in the shower after a day at the lake.<\/p>\n
Why? Mud, silt, bugs, and algae don’t exactly make you feel fresh. They get your boat filthy, too.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t sweat it! We found 10 professional tips to help you keep your boat clean and ready for adventure.
The\u00a0American Boating Association<\/a>\u00a0recommends\u00a0environmentally friendly soaps. That\u2019s because concentrated detergents can strip away and damage finishes when left on for extended periods of time.<\/p>\n Sailors for the Sea<\/a>\u00a0recommends\u00a0Shurhold Brite Wash<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Boat\/RV Gel Wash<\/a>\u00a0for their commitment to the environment and their cleaning ability.<\/p>\n When you head below deck, cleaners like\u00a0Seventh Generation<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Bon Ami<\/a>\u00a0are both excellent options.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Scrubbing a dry boat can scratch and damage that beautiful finish. Start by rinsing your boat from the top down to remove loose dirt and grime.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Give your boat a thorough wash using water, your boat wash, and a soft sponge. Make sure to get all the corners and underneath the seats.<\/p>\n What about fiberglass and aluminum boats?\u00a0Mike Sneed<\/a>, service manager of Tracker Boat Center\u00ae in Springfield, Missouri,\u00a0says, “The best thing to do is wash, or at least wipe down, the boat every time it\u2019s pulled out of the water. This will keep dirty lake water from staining the fiberglass colors.”<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Starting at the top, give your boat another rinse. Make sure to remove all the soapy water.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Use a soft cloth to dry your boat. It\u2019ll leave a nice, streak-free finish to prepare your boat for waxing.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A coat of wax keeps your boat looking shiny and new. In a circular motion, apply wax to the hull of your boat. Once it dries, remove the excess wax with a soft bath towel.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Left unchecked, mold and mildew can quickly form on any canvas on your boat.\u00a0The Great Lakes Boat Top Company<\/a>\u00a0suggests\u00a0cleaning your canvas with lukewarm water and dish detergent, followed by a clear water rinse. Allow the canvas to air dry after it\u2019s clean.<\/p>\n Your canvas or Dacron sails won’t need too much maintenance. Sailmaker\u00a0FX Sails<\/a>\u00a0recommends\u00a0hosing your sails down after using them and giving them time to dry before stowing them. When you do need to wash them, mild soap, water, and a soft brush work in most cases.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Boatmaker Chris-Craft is a company known for its teak woodworking. They recommend cleaning teak by scrubbing across the grain with water, a mild cleanser, and a soft plastic bristle brush.<\/p>\n Chris-Craft<\/a>\u00a0says,\u00a0“There is no need to add coats of teak sealers or oils, other than for the cosmetic appearance. But if you wish to maintain this appearance, use a teak sealer rather than oil. Oils darken the wood, making it hotter and more slippery, negating teak’s natural non-slip surface.”<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Writing for Bass Pro Shops,\u00a0Justin Hoffman<\/a>\u00a0suggests\u00a0a simple mix of dish soap and water to clean your outboard engine.<\/p>\n “For tough spots, a commercial degreaser will get the job done,\u201d Hoffman says. \u201cSpray on and use a soft bristled brush or coarse sponge.”<\/p>\n Once you are done, give it a rinse\u00a0and dry the engine with a clean towel.<\/p>\n Though they\u2019re designed for watery environments, your boat seats last longer if you clean them regularly. The\u00a0Dockside Canvas Company<\/a>\u00a0suggests\u00a0using mild soap and water to clean the seats.<\/p>\n Rinse them with clean water and wipe them dry with a soft towel. Adding a UV protectant to the seats can prolong the life of the upholstery.<\/p>\n Now that your boat is sparkling and clean, protect it from accidents. Your local, licensed Pekin Insurance agent will help you find the right insurance plan for your boat and budget.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n2. Give It a Rinse<\/b><\/h3>\n
\u00a03. Give the Hull a Wash<\/b><\/h3>\n
4. Rinse Again<\/b><\/h3>\n
5. Dry Your Boat<\/b><\/h3>\n
6. Wax On, Wax Off<\/b><\/h3>\n
7. Clean the Canvas<\/b><\/h3>\n
8. What About Teak?<\/b><\/h3>\n
9. Clean Your Outboard Engine<\/b><\/h3>\n
10. Clean Vinyl Boat Seats<\/b><\/h3>\n