How to Detail Your Boat

Washing your boat regularly removes algae, salt and other grime that can cause corrosion and oxidation. Much of the oxidation occurs within the gel coat, which is the outer surface that can deteriorate after prolonged exposure to oxygen in the water and the air. To stop this process, detail your boat at the start and end of every boating season.

Wash

Rinse your boat with fresh water and lather it up using a marine shampoo and a sheepskin wash mitt or natural sea sponge. To make easier work out of a big job, use a pressure washer that is capable of rinsing and delivering foamy shampoo, which can then be lathered up with a wash mitt and rinsed.

Polish

If oxidation has left your gel coat looking dull, rough or chalky, it could lead to further damage if water is retained in the pores of the damaged coating. Use a marine cutting compound to polish your boat and remove oxidation damage, stains, scratches and scuffs. You can perform this task with a rotary buffer equipped with a wool pad or an orbital polisher. Put on a pair of safety glasses and work section by section, buffing each with a microfiber towel as you go. Keep a bucket of pad cleaning solution nearby so you can clean the gunk off as needed.

Wax

Waxing helps maintain the shine and integrity of your boat's gel coat. It also prevents grime from sticking to your boat. Spread marine wax on evenly using an orbital polisher with a soft foam buffing pad at a low speed. Buff off the wax with either a microfiber bonnet on the polisher or a microfiber towel.

Vinyl

Vinyl seats and covers can fade or crack, especially when exposed to the sun and when left dirty. Clean these surfaces with a vinyl-safe cleaner that won't remove the topcoat and then apply a UV protectant. For vinyl plastic windows, use a plastic cleaner and then polish with a microfiber towel.

Enjoy the boating season with peace of mind. Call Peachstate Insurance at (770) 938-4311 for more information on Atlanta boat insurance.

No Comments