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Boat Cleaning: Basic Maintenance Remember, even a boat that's been sitting dockside can accumulate dirt and marine scum that can harm the finish. Keeping your vessel free from dirt and grime will help protect it from the harsh impact of the sea while adding years of life to its finish. The key to taking the chore out of washing your boat is to do so weekly or after each use. There are a variety of wash and wax products on the market that can make the chore less labor intensive, just be sure to use a quality boat wash and wax that will not harm the vessel's existing wax, gelcoat or paint. Mild wash and wax products containing carnauba or another top-grade wax are recommended. Be sure to avoid cleaners with abrasive substances. Washing and Waxing Begin by hosing down the vessel. Boats should be washed from top to bottom, then bow to stern. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the washing product. Thoroughly rinsing the vessel with fresh water and drying all surfaces well will prevent soap-scum buildup, water spotting and a dull finish. If you are washing your vessel on a sunny day, be sure to wash and dry as you move along ... don't wash the entire surface, then rinse the entire surface. Doing so will prevent the washing material from drying before it is buffed. Waterspots can also appear if water is allowed to evaporate on surfaces. Armada, Opine and Sea Safe are just several of the good wash and wax marine products on the market. However, Heller Glanz Wash 'n' Wax ... one of a new line of premium marine maintenance products ... is particularly impressive because it has the ability to perform on all surfaces of the boat ... from bow to stern and windshield to deck plates. Heller Glanz Wash 'n' Wax contains a carnauba polymer that adds a rich luster to fiberglass, metal and painted surfaces. Heller Glanz makes the ideal boat wax because it is a mix of polymer and wax. Individually, the two substances are dramatically different in their composition and protective capabilities. When combined, however, they complement each other to form an ideal protective sealing material. Waxes adhere to a surface while polymers become part of the surface. That's why the combination creates a durable, hard and lasting shine. Remember, be meticulous when washing your boat so you do not neglect miss important, yet easy to miss surfaces or items such as metal zippers. Stainless steel and aluminum hardware such as rod holders, cleats and deck plates should also be washed and dried.. Metal fittings and hardware should also be regularly polished to thwart corrosion and rust. Heller Glanz also makes a quality liquid metal polish to remove oxidation and protect marine hardware while giving it a mirror shine. Liquid metal polishes go on easy and are just as easily removed. Top of the line metal polishes contain a premium wax that adds a protective coat to hardware surfaces. Another important area on which to concentrate is the windshield. It is a good idea to invest in a water repellent to treat the windshield. Water repellents not only create a film that will allow rain to roll off the windshield, but they also prevent fogging and visibility problems. Vinyl boat cushions should be washed, dried and treated with a protecting solution to shield damage from ultraviolet rays and discoloration. There are a variety of over-the-counter vinyl and leather cleaners and protectors on the market. Most can be easily applied and wiped off with a clean cloth. The better products also work well on rubber and plastic surfaces and they will help protect and add durability to the cushions. Regular maintenance of boat cushions will also prevent the damaging growth of mold and mildew as well as retard cracking and fading. Cushions should be kept as dry as possible and stored upright and/or out of the elements ... this is particularly important if the cushions are made of canvas and similar cloth materials. Also readily available is a water repellent that can treat cushions to prevent soaking. Deck hatches should also be cleaned and dried during boat washings ... and, don't forget the drainwater channels that lie under them or the hatch seals.
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