The best way to clean your boat this spring

Spring is here and it’s time to start prepping your boat for the season. Keeping your boat clean is essential for maintaining its condition and extending its lifespan. Knowing the best way to clean your boat is key for a successful clean-up. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best way to clean your boat so you can enjoy your time on the water to the fullest.

Rinse with fresh water

The first step in keeping your boat clean is to rinse it with fresh water. This helps get rid of any dirt and debris that may be stuck on the surface of the boat. It’s best to use a garden hose or a pressure washer to get the job done. Start by spraying the boat from the bow and work your way back. Make sure to reach all of the nooks and crannies. If you are using a pressure washer, be careful as the power of the water jet can damage window seals, bearings and even the deck if you are not careful.

Scrub the hull

Once you have rinsed your boat, it’s time to get to work scrubbing the hull. Using the right soap is important when it comes to cleaning your boat. Boat soaps are specifically formulated to remove dirt, grime, and salt buildup that can damage the hull over time. When applying the soap, use a large sponge or soft brush to work it into a lather. After scrubbing the hull and all surfaces, be sure to rinse off the soap with fresh water. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush specifically designed for use on boats. This will help ensure that you don’t damage the finish of your boat. Begin at the bow and work your way back towards the stern. Be sure to reach down into all the crevices and around all the curves of the hull. Pay special attention to any areas where dirt and grime are more prominent.
After you have completed your thorough scrubbing, rinse the boat off with fresh water again. This will help remove any soap residue as well as any debris that has been lifted by the scrubbing process. If needed, repeat this process until all debris and grime are removed from your hull.

Rinse again

After scrubbing the hull, it is important to rinse your boat again. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may have been left behind. Start by hosing down the entire boat with the hose pipe and use a brush to remove any remaining grime. If you don’t have access to a hose, you can also use a bucket of clean water and a cloth. Focus on rinsing the boat from the stern to the bow. Once you are done, give the boat one more rinse from the bow to the stern. This will ensure that all dirt and debris are completely washed away.

Wax and polish the hull

Once you have scrubbed the hull and rinsed it off, it’s time to polish the hull. The goal of polishing is to make the surface smooth and glossy. To do this, you’ll need a good quality polishing compound specifically designed for boats. Start by applying a generous amount of the compound onto a soft cloth and buffing it into the surface in circular motions. Keep working until you have reached your desired shine. When you’re done, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess residue. Finally, rinse off the entire surface with fresh water. For buffing and final polish you can use an electric polisher. One tip if you are doing this while your boat is in the water is to tie an elastic bungay cord to your polisher and fix it on deck. That way it cannot accidentally fall in the water, and it makes it feel lighter. To give your boat a polished finish, you can use a polish specifically designed for boats. This will help protect the hull from oxidation and environmental wear and tear.

Waxing your boat’s hull will help protect it from the elements and keep it looking like new.
Before you wax the hull, you should make sure it is completely dry. 
When applying the wax, start at the top of the hull and work your way down, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Using a wax applicator or soft cloth, apply a thin layer of wax in a circular motion. Work in small sections, making sure that each section overlaps slightly with the one before it.
Wait for the wax to dry before buffing it out with a soft, clean cloth. This will help to ensure that the wax is evenly spread out and will provide maximum protection.
For best results, wax your boat’s hull twice a year. This will help to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. With regular waxing, you can keep your boat looking like new for years to come.

So that wraps up this post. after all that hard work it’s time to sit down and have that well deserved sundowner.

Fair winds,
Carl and Jenny

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