Boat Care and Maintenance Tips

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are crucial to effective boat maintenance. Keeping your vessel clean should be the top priority for boat care. Be sure to wash the deck and hull of your boat with clean water and a boat-friendly detergent. Making this a regular habit prevents the formation of mold before it has a chance to develop and damage your boat.

Because the effects of grime, algae and salt water can wear down the finish of your boat, this is an easy win to prevent corrosion. It’s both a simple and cost-effective solution!

Keeping your boat covers and canvas in good condition is another key preventive measure. A deep clean with warm, soapy water once a month will help get rid of dirt and mildew and stop it from spreading further. Use a softly bristled brush or a broom to remove loose surface grit before wetting the canvas fabric and softly scrubbing it onto the canvas material.

Leave it for an hour or so, and then rinse away the soapy water to ensure everything is clean before allowing it to dry naturally. 

The interior of your boat will also be exposed to many challenging elements, such as salt water and UV rays. Exposure to the sun can cause noticeable fading of interior boat materials, so having a cleaning plan in place can keep them looking fresh and as good as new. 

Common interior boat materials include: 

• Fiberglass: Known for its glossy finish, a fiberglass interior requires routine cleaning with products that help prevent scratches and maintain its aesthetic qualities.
• Vinyl: Widely used in many boat interiors because it’s long-lasting and water-resistant, vinyl requires a quality vinyl cleaner to maintain its look.
• Upholstery: The fabric and foam in a boat’s upholstery can trap moisture and cause rotting. Vacuuming and cleaning commonly used areas can help reduce deterioration.

While it’s important to get your boat engine serviced regularly by a professional, there are some things you can do to ensure it runs smoothly between those scheduled checks. Make a mental note to inspect the propeller for obstructions or damaged blades. Changing the oil regularly will also help you make the most of your boating engine and keep it working at its best. 

Whether in or out of water, a boat’s hull needs frequent cleaning to remove the accumulated salt and debris. Doing this once every three months or so can reduce the chances of algae and barnacles forming on the hull. 

For a boat that’s kept in water, use a long brush with soft bristles to clean the hull from your deck. When you feel like your boat is due for a more thorough clean, a deep pressure wash and scrub followed by protective wax over the hull is recommended. 

Have you ever noticed a bad smell emanating from underneath your boat when on board? It may be due to a buildup of dirty water in your bilge. If you’re noticing a large volume of water in your bilge, it could damage your boat, especially when considering potential oil contamination. 

Effective bilge maintenance and cleaning includes removing any accumulated oil and grime using a biodegradable cleaner. Give your cleaner time to soak deeply and then scrub the area before pumping out the unwanted dirty water. After one last rinse, you should have a well-maintained bilge!