Owning a boat requires regular cleaning and upkeep to keep it looking its best. Not only does a spotless vessel make for great visuals, but having clean boats helps prevent damage and extends their life expectancy. But when is the best time for cleaning your boat? The answer may depend on several factors like the type of vessel, the environment it’s in, and frequency of usage.
Why Should You Clean Your Boat Before Storage?
Prior to putting your boat away for storage, there are several reasons why you should clean your boat.
First and foremost, you don’t want your boat’s interior to become damp in wintertime. Mold can grow rapidly and cause serious issues for both yourself and other family members who regularly use the vessel.
Second, staying on top of these tasks will help protect against damage when spring arrives and it’s time to hit the open water again.
Finally, having a clean boat makes hosting guests for an afternoon at sea much simpler. Fishing from its deck area can be both enjoyable and stress-free.
Though it may seem like more work than necessary, consider how much simpler things will be once everything has been put away and you’re ready to fly away.
Important Parameters of a Clean Boat
Different boat types require slightly different cleaning steps, but there are some parameters that all vessels should meet prior to winterization:
- After fishing trips, make sure to clean out all saltwater deposits from inside your vessel (especially after).
- Wash down the deck with soap and water
- Make sure everything is dry both outside and inside
- Clear away debris such as leaves or branches if you’ve been driving through wooded areas.
- Check for small cracks around the boat’s structure where water may have seeped in during rainstorms/high seas.
Additionally, make sure to inspect your engine and other mechanical components for damage or malfunctioning parts.
Before putting the vessel away for winter break, make sure all you do all the necessary repairs. Schedule time to work on them during a break in your schedule during this period when things may not be quite so hectic.
What Materials to Use for Boat Cleaning?
There are several options to consider. When using water-based cleaners and lubricants, stick with those labeled “marine” or specifically for boats – this ensures they won’t damage the structure of the vessel while still doing their job effectively.
When applying oils to engine parts or any other application, be sure to apply them sparingly as too much can cause issues just like too little. If unsure about the product types/quantities needed per application, always seek professional guidance before beginning application!
Instead of turning to dry materials such as polishing cloths/pads, look for ones specifically designed for boat polishing – these can also be used on fiberglass surfaces. Remember: the best way to achieve an immaculate boat is by combining wet and dry techniques together.
When Is the Best Time to Clean a Boat?
The ideal time for boat cleaning is during wintertime; that way, your vessel will be ready for use once spring arrives.
By doing this, you can reduce the stress on yourself by not letting work pile up for weeks or months until its ideal moment arrives.
Additionally, taking advantage of the winter months to clean your boat will be easier since it will be stored indoors where any potential damage from rain or snow is reduced.
Once cleaning season arrives, everything should be dry and spotless – making it all the more important not to use too much water when washing your boat.
Winter Cleaning
However, for those living in climates without winter, don’t fret as there are other options. For instance, you can do all the work during spring and summer when your boat is out in the water.
Another advantage to boat cleaning outside winter months is having more free time for this task. When living in cold climates, people often prefer spending their weekends indoors with family and friends rather than boating which leaves them with less free time than those living further south where winters usually aren’t as harsh as they can be up north.
However, if your boat is an exception and you use it all year round, then feel free to clean whenever convenient. However, it’s still essential not to put off maintenance work too long so that your vessel remains in excellent condition throughout its lifespan.
Should You Get Maintenance Done While Cleaning?
A key question we should explore when discussing boat cleaning is whether it makes sense to get maintenance done simultaneously. Here are some thoughts on this matter:
If you don’t want to wait weeks for everything to be finished, then it might be best to handle all the work yourself while having someone else assist with specific tasks such as engine parts inspection/maintenance.
With an experienced professional who knows their craft, getting both routine inspections and exterior clean-up should be no problem – especially if you can afford these services. After all, leaving them unattended for months or even years makes more sense!
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Are you a boat owner who enjoys spending time on the water? Want to ensure your vessel performs optimally and looks its best? Look no further than Beach to Bay Divers and Pools!
Our team of expert boat cleaners is ready to give your vessel the deep clean it deserves, from top to bottom. We’ll remove any buildup of dirt, grime or algae on your vessel so it looks like it just came off the showroom floor! Contact us today to book your cleaning 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
At Beach to Bay Divers and Pools, we understand the importance of keeping your boat clean and running smoothly so that you can fully enjoy time on the water. That is why we provide comprehensive boat cleaning services to extend the life of your vessel.
