If you own a boat, you know regular maintenance is essential to keeping it in top condition. One of the most important aspects of boat maintenance is detailing. Detailing your boat not only makes it look shiny and new but also helps to protect it from the harsh elements of the water. However, detailing a boat is more complex than washing and waxing a car. Many different vessel areas require attention, each requiring a specific approach. In this blog, we will walk you through the steps necessary to detail a boat correctly, from cleaning the hull to polishing the metal hardware. So grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s get started!
Frequent Washing
Saltwater causes corrosion on water vessels, and it doesn’t take long for metal bits from the hull to come off, leaving you astonished at how quickly you’ll notice damage. Therefore, it’s recommended that you wash your boat every two weeks in order to minimize corrosion damage.
Avoid cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. They can strip away the wax that you’ve applied to protect your boat, and may lead to other issues as well.
To protect your boat, opt for gentle yet effective cleaners from Boat Juice, Star Brite and 3M.
Waxing On… Waxing Off…
Boaters desire sunny days or good weather for sailing, but this can bring about some unpleasant effects on their vessel. For instance, UV rays from the sun can damage the paintwork if not handled properly.
Untreated UV rays can damage the material underneath the paint if left unchecked for too long. To combat this problem, regular waxing of your boat is the solution; do it every 3 to 6 months.
When it comes to waxing, 3M and 303 offer effective formulas. However, be cautious when purchasing waxing products.
Avoid becoming complacent if your boat starts looking dull and chalky; otherwise, necessary repairs may arise. For example, polish the vessel, give it a full cut, and then begin waxing again.
Examining for Rust
Regular washdowns on the boat’s steel parts should protect it from rusting and corrosion. But you shouldn’t make assumptions; take time to check if rust has started forming on its surface.
Once you’ve identified the presence of rust, don’t wait a single moment. Begin hand polishing it immediately until all signs of damage have been eliminated. A great polish doesn’t necessarily need to be for marine use; some car waxes like Shine Armor can also be used on cars.
Be Mindful of Upholstered Surfaces
Upholstery on boats is intended for outdoor and heavy-duty use, yet it still exposes it to UV rays, saltwater, and other external elements. Be wary of molds and mildew growth on this item.
Once your boat’s upholstery has been loaded, let it sit outside in the sun to kill molds and mildew. You may also use Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover or MaryKate Mildew Remover for this process.
After cleaning and scrubbing the upholstery to rid it of mold infestation, you must allow it to air dry. A quality boat cover can prevent this growth as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Detailing a boat is an effective way to have it looking spotless inside and out. This process eliminates mud, debris, grime, and dirt that clings on the hull. As mentioned previously, certain supplies can make this easier for you.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a spotless boat in no time!
Step 1: Rinsing Is Prior
Grab your power washer or nozzle and start with this step because rinsing the boat is the first step in detailing. It’s essential to blast away grime or buildups before scrubbing, so begin by rinsing as a prelude for thorough cleaning of your vessel.
Step 2: Clean and Rinse
After rinsing the boat’s hull, use soapy water to cleanse its hull before beginning scrubbing with STAR BRITE Cleaner or 303 Multi-surface cleaner which have safe formulas tailored for boats. This will allow you to focus on building-ups of dirt and grime.
Don’t skimp on detailing! Get yourself a quality brush to ensure everything looks its best. Even with your trusty cleaner, nothing beats a good old-fashioned scrubbing! Doing this step will give your boat an immaculate shine!
Water, cleaner and scrub will effectively rid your boat of surface impurities.
Step 3: Wiping part
Once you apply soap suds and scrub your boat, it is time for wiping down. This is when you buffer the hull. For best results, use elbow grease during this step! Once finished wiping and buffing your vessel, move onto the next stage in the process.
Step 4: Marine Polish and Wax Anwendung
Marine polish and wax are essential tools for making your boat shine. Applying them correctly creates a uniform layer that gives off the shine that makes your vessel appear brand new.
Step 5: Examining the Interior
In detailing, it’s not enough to just focus on the boat’s exterior. You also need to spend time inside it as well; water vessels are typically exposed to moisture and thus pose a high risk for mold or mildew growth.
Mold, mildew and grime from your interior can be eliminated with an effective mildew stain remover. After eliminating all of these unwanted particles, you can vacuum up any dust left behind.
Polishing and waxing aren’t just for the exterior of your boat; you can also give its interior a shine too! What tools you’ll need depends on what’s inside; upholstery brushes or other tools may be required depending on what needs to be done.
Step 6: Double-Checking
Once you’ve completed all the necessary procedures, take some time to double-check your boat for any missing pieces. It is important to make sure everything looks pristine in reality; some parts may appear clean on the outside but are actually dirty underneath. This way, you can be certain no errors have been made during this step.
Once your boat is clean, you can apply a boat cover. This step helps shield your vessel from potential harm and elements.
Request a Consultaion
Is your boat looking a bit worse for wear? Don’t let a dirty and dingy boat ruin your time out on the water. Instead, let Beach to Bay Divers and Pools take care of your boat detailing needs!
Our experienced professionals will have your boat looking new in no time. We use top-of-the-line equipment and eco-friendly cleaning products to ensure your boat is sparkling clean and safe for the environment. Give us a call today to schedule your boat detailing appointment.
Other Services We Offer
- Piling Wrap and Re Wrap Services
- Boat Detailing
- Underwater Hull Cleaning
- Full-Service Boat Rigging
- Drain Cover Replacement
- Pool Chemical Maintenance
- Underwater Pool Crack Repair
Discover potential issues before they become costly problems. Trust the experts at Beach to Bay Divers and Pools for reliable and high-quality boat detailing services. Contact us today for a free estimate.
