How to clean a boat

H

Hobbes

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
RO Number
29290
Messages
35
Never had a boat before, and it was shrinked wrapped about 1 hour after I picked it up. Boat was dirty from being in the saltwater and not used/cleaned throughout the year. What do I use to clean the gelcoat? How about the vinyl seats, the cabin, stainless steal, etc.
Counting down the days until it goes in the water, trying to learn as much as possible about everything.
 
Everyone has their own preferences, but here are mine from trying all sorts of different products...I find I get excelent results...

I use Collinite #920 cleaner for my gelcoat...Also for my stainless...
Followed by a coat of Collinite #885 wax...
Use a very mild soap for future cleanings after appling the wax.(you don't want to remove it and you will if you use a strong soap)
For the vinyl seats I use Meguiars Mirror Glaze 57 Vinyl and Rubber cleaner...This protects the vinyl with the UV rays from the sun from drying out the vinyl...

Is the boats Gel ozidized?...
 
"Everyone has their own preferences, but here are mine from trying all sorts of different products...I find I get excelent results..."

using the Aurora line of products.
 
i've had luck with 3m compound to buff a shine into the gel, heavy duty marine. mr clean erasers, clean towels to wipe the grime, and plenty of water to rinse the erasers out...for the vinyl. 303 uv protectant afterward. you'll probably need some brushes and/or maybe even pressure washer for the hull.
 
If this were moved to Detailing & Fabrication it would get more/better responses than in ATC. Or repost your question.....
 
Above plus Maguires heavy duty vinyl and rubber cleaner with a scrub brush for the vinyl seats.--unbelievable results on vinyl.
 
I use magic erasers when the Vinyl is bad...If Its cleanable, these do a great job....
 
Depending on the salt content of the water the boat was in, the hull may be covered with tiny salt spots. Cleaner waxes will not remove these. The hull will need to be acid washed. 25 to 50% muriatic acid applied with a roller & thoroughly rinsed off will take care of the salt & any stains. No rubbing required. Do NOT let acid get on a galvanized trailer.

After that, your choice of cleaners & waxes. I like cheap & effective for cleaners (dish washing liquid works well) then the very best that I can get for a wax or sealant.
 
Welcome to boating!

I just have a tip : Many products that say for marine or for a boat just means you pay more.
 
Congrates on your boat! I fear you may be fighting mold/mildew after the shrink wrap is removed. I'd get out there the very first day the sun shines and clean, clean, clean the inside and helm/cockpit. And in the future, always shrinkwrap a clean boat!

Lots of elbow grease will help too. Be sure to study your rules of the road, etc while you are waiting to use your boat.
 
The only way to clean a boat -
You Sand Blast it with $100.00 dollar bills until it's spotless or you run out of money? Whatever comes first :)
 
a safe boating course from the coast guard or u.s. power squadron is also a great way to prep for your spring splash.
 
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