Do you own a boat? It is important that you take good care of it after each use by giving it a thorough cleaning. If you don’t, you could end up with some long term damage to the interior and exterior.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to wash a boat properly.
Rinse With Clean Water
When you return from a fun day on the water the first thing you need to do after pulling your boat onto the ramp is to give it a good rinse with clean water. This will ensure that all the dirt and marine debris it has accumulated will be rinsed off before it can dry and damage the clear coat.
You can pressure wash a boat as long as the nozzle isn’t set too high or use a regular garden hose. Start by rinsing the top of the boat and the sides and bottom. Make sure you also get any platforms and metal hardware.
If you were in saltwater, wait a few minutes to let the freshwater dissolve any minerals that have deposited and spray it again. Once you have returned home with your boat you should rinse it well before you start scrubbing.
Use the Right Cleaners
Once you have rinsed your boat with clean water you can spray it with a non-abrasive cleaner. Then, using a long-handled brush, you can work the bristles all over the exterior of the hull and top of the boat. You can spray the cleaner directly on the bristles to get to those hard to reach areas.
If you are using environmentally-friendly soap then you can even wash your boat while it is still in the water.
You can use a glass cleaner on the windows in your boat after rinsing them so you can get them spot-free. Just be careful not to get the glass cleaner on the other surfaces of your boat.
Waxing the Surface
After you have finished washing the boat you will need to use a hull polish to buff out any scratches and imperfections there may be. The polish is able to break down any discolorations and imperfections there are because it is highly abrasive.
Use a polishing pad or a soft cloth if applying the polish by hand. Apply it in a circular motion and move in the same direction all the way around the entire boat.
Once the surface looks like glass and has a good shine you are ready to apply the wax. Waxing your boat is important to protect its clear coat and paint job. Apply it in the same circular motion as the polish. Once it dries to a haze it is ready for you to buff it off.
Learn More About How to Wash a Boat Today!
These are the basic steps for how to wash a boat. Once you pull it out from the water you should rinse it with clean water to remove any dust, debris, or mineral build-up. Next, use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the interior and exterior.
Finally, to give it lasting protection against the elements you should polish and wax the exterior surface.
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