When it comes to your boat looking its best, there’s nothing
more important than the quality of your boat’s fiberglass. If you’re wondering
how to clean boat fiberglass, be sure you avoid the following mistakes. This
simple guide will help you enjoy a boat hull that looks “like new” for years to
come.
Mistake #1:
Forgetting the Rinse
Don’t make the mistake of assuming your boat’s fiberglass is
pre-rinsed because of its time in the water. Use clean, fresh water to apply
the rinse and then get to work.
Rinsing off your boat fiberglass before cleaning will get
rid of dust, grime, and debris. No, it won’t do the entire job of cleaning, but
it will make your fiberglass boat cleaning efforts much easier when you
do apply the Fiberglass Powder Cleaner.
Mistake #2: Ditching
the Wax
Applying fresh coats of wax to your fiberglass, especially
early on, will do a lot to keep the surface of your fiberglass clean and
looking new. Ignore the wax, however, and you expose it to sun damage, debris,
and all the associated problems.
Make sure you get a wax like
LifeWax that is specifically designed
to work with your boat’s fiberglass and offers long-term protection once
applied.
Mistake #3: Cutting Corners
Block off a solid chunk of time so you can properly clean
your boat’s fiberglass. You should take the time to inspect it, rinse it
thoroughly, and give it the washing it deserves. Saving time by going too
quickly will mean you miss spots. If you handle your layer of wax the same way,
you’re going to leave holes in your fiberglass protection.
It’s far better—and even more efficient—to take your time
and do it right. The better care you take of your boat’s fiberglass, the longer
you can go in between cleanings.
Mistake #4: Ignoring
Your Fiberglass When It Needs Help
Some of the primary enemies of a clean, healthy-looking
fiberglass hull are oxidation, fading, and even chalking. The key here? You
need a Color Restorer that won’t harm or scratch the gel coat of your
fiberglass. Use a dedicated boat
Color
Restorer
to fight these familiar symptoms without doing more harm than
good.
Mistake #5: Ignoring
Your Gelcoat
The gelcoat of your fiberglass is the key to giving it that
“new boat” sheen. The finished, glossy look of new boats is unmistakable.
Unfortunately, too many boat owners let this slip by the wayside while they
focus on other aspects of boat maintenance.
To do a better job of protecting and restoring your gelcoat,
include a de-greasing routine after your usual rinse. Even boat detergents
aren’t very effective at removing all the debris from your boat’s gelcoat,
which is why you’ll want to use a strong cleaner (with protective glove) before
applying your wax.
As stated before, always look for a non-scratching formula
that won’t harm your gelcoat but instead restores it to a “like-new” luster.
Once you’ve properly degreased and cleaned your fiberglass, you can let it dry
and then apply an even layer of LifeWax to ensure that what you’ve just cleaned
will
stay clean.
Now that you know how to clean boat fiberglass, you’ll never
make these mistakes again. Browse our
collection of boat cleaning and maintenance products for all of your boating needs.
