الأحد، 6 فبراير 2011

Boat Cleaning Tips

Boating is one of the best experiences that you can have on the water. Boats involve a large amount of cleaning and maintenance, though, which is often time consuming and not always enjoyable. Some boat owners spend a lot more time cleaning their boats than they actually spend using them on the water. While keeping your boat clean and maintained is important, you don't have to spend most of your time cleaning. With the proper equipment and cleaning products, you can save time while maintaining your boat's beauty and protecting it from destructive marine elements and harsh weather. You can also decrease the time and effort of cleaning your boat by cleaning it on a regular basis and by using boat covers when it is not in use.

Cleaning Your Boat’s Exterior — Using the Proper Equipment

The type of boat you have and the materials from which it is made will determine what equipment and products are best for cleaning it. For most boats, you will need a sturdy brush for scouring away dirt, grime, stains, and salt. The brush should not be so rigid and coarse that it could damage your boat's finish or clear coat. Your brush should have a sturdy handle, long enough to reach all areas of your boat, up high and down low. This will eliminate the strain on your back and arms and will give you the needed leverage for effective boat cleaning. The brush and its bristles should be durable enough to withstand multiple uses with cleaning products, exposure to the weather, and even salt water. Other helpful products for boat cleaning include buckets large enough for your brush, sponges, mops, towels, and chamois cloths. Crucial for your boat as well as the environment is your choice of soap. You should use a soap that is effective on dirt and grime, yet safe for the environment. Use a biodegradable soap with a neutral ph factor. Avoid using dish detergents; they are too harsh and could cause damage to the finish of your boat. If you use your boat in salt water, it is particularly important that you use fresh water and soap to remove the salt buildup that can corrode your boat’s finish. Always be sure to follow the boat manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your boat. Do not allow the soap to dry and remain on your boat for any length of time.

The Most Efficient Way to Clean Your Boat's Exterior

Now that you have the proper equipment and cleaning products for the exterior of your boat, you can get started with cleaning. First, rinse the entire boat with clean, fresh water. This will loosen any dirt, grime, and impurities that may have built up on the finish. Never brush or scrub a dry boat, as this may scratch or otherwise harm your boat’s finish or clear coat. Use a sponge or washing cloth with soapy water, and start lathering up areas at the top of the boat, working your way down. Working from the top to the bottom of the boat prevents suds from running over the already cleaned areas, which would require another rinse. Lather only one area at a time; if you lather the entire boat, the suds will dry and cause you to have to rewash the cleaned areas again to prevent streaking. After soaping up the area to be washed, use your scrub brush to remove any dirt and grime before rinsing. To prevent water spots, use chamois cloths or dry, soft towels to soak up any moisture left over after washing. One or two times per season, you should wax and polish your fiberglass boat to protect the shine of the boat’s finish. Use a quality wax, such as a carnauba wax, for maximum protection.


Trey Collier is co-owner of MightyCovers.com, specializing in high quality, durable Custom Covers and Ready-Made Stock Covers for practically everything under the sun, including Boat Covers.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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