As a fisherman I can attest to how dirty boats can get and how it is sometimes difficult to remove stubborn stains. It’s also important to clean your vessel in a manner that will not cause damage to your boat’s finishes and upholstery.
Rinse
Step one is always going to be a thorough rinsing. Before using any cleaning supplies, rinse the boat to remove dirt and debris. I usually go overboard in this initial rinsing process using a hose gun and the water’s force to remove as much crud as possible. It’s also helpful to identify and remember areas that will require additional elbow grease later in the process.
If the boat was used in salt water, rinse thoroughly and always flush the saltwater from your engines. Most newer marine engines come with a built-in flush connector where you can attach the hose.
Depending on how dirty the boat is, I may make several passes with the hose until most of the dirt and debris is removed. With each subsequent pass, the grime is loosened and removed.
Wash
To wash the boat, I use a high-quality marine detergent that is environmentally friendly. My personal favorite is OrPine. It is a concentrated sanitizing detergent that also contains wax. It has proven to be a superior cleaner and the wax it contains leaves a protectant shield on exposed surfaces.
Mix the concentrated OrPine in a bucket with water. I use a soft-bristled brush on most of the boat’s hard surfaces and engine cowlings. I then use a soft sponge on more delicate surfaces like upholstery, glass, Isinglass and pipework. This will clean and protect most of your boat.
Avoid abrasive or harsh chemicals that can damage the boat’s surface. This is especially true of chlorine or Clorox. And NEVER use chlorine on your upholstery. It will degrade the material and make your upholstery crack over time.
Remove Stains
If you have the need to remove stains, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and apply onto the stain and scrub – repeat as needed. Also use the sun to your advantage. The sun will bleach out stains over time.
If you have rust stains, you will need to use a chemical specifically formulated to remove rust stains. They work really well, and you may have no other alternative in these cases.
Polishing and Waxing
All boats need to be polished and waxed regularly. The frequency will depend on your many factors, but I have my boat professionally waxed 2 times per year to protect the finish. This topic is beyond the scope of this article, and we will visit it in more detail in the future.
