On a warm summer day with the sun shining, there’s no better way to spend your time than by hitting the water in a beautiful boat. In order to get your boat looking like the talk of the waterway, here are a few way to detail your boat so it can look its best.
Where to start
If you Google “detailing a boat” there are a million pages that come up, and even more product options. But, it all starts with a thorough washing. Spray your boat down with clean water to remove initial dirt and debris.
It’s time to clean
The second step of detailing your boat is a deep cleaning process. It is crucial to remove gunk that has built up over time, which will require high-quality cleaning products. The right boat cleaning product will depend on the type of boat you are cleaning and the areas that need to be addressed. There are specific products for fiberglass and aluminum as well as a general boat cleaner. After your boat is cleaned, you’ll want to get it to glisten. This shine is achieved through properly applying boat wax, either by hand or with an electric buffer. The goal is to get an even coat that both preserves its condition and makes the boat sparkle. You should also check for rot, which is discussed in much more detail in this blog post.
Remember to stay patient, as it takes some practice, and also be sure to move around so that you never stay in one place for too long. Having the right boat maintenance products in essential.
Don’t forget the deck
It is crucial to tend to every area of your boat as you are detailing it. After cleaning the hull, it is time to care for the deck. The steps for deck maintenance depend on the features and materials of your specific boat. For example, you may have to take special care of the wood on your deck if it is teak. If this applies to you, remember to periodically apply teak oil to provide a layer of protection. If you have carpet in your boat, it is important to vacuum it and treat with a soapy water solution or carpet cleaner.
Saltwater boats need more TLC
If your boat is mostly exposed to saltwater, you will need to pay special attention to your boat. Saltwater can wear down the exterior of your boat, causing unwanted damage. After using your boat in saltwater, spray it down the boat with fresh water. It only takes a few minutes but will ensure that you are washing away any lingering salt waiting to do harm.
Hopefully you now feel more prepared to detail your boat. All the boat cleaning products you could need, along with more tips, are available on our website.
