If you’re a boat owner, then you know that keeping your vessel in good condition is essential to enjoying it for years to come. Boat care and maintenance is not difficult, but it does require some regular attention. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of exterior boat care and maintenance. We’ll cover everything from cleaning and waxing to repairing scratches and dings. By following these tips, you can keep your boat looking its best all season long!
Prevention Is The Best Medicine
You work hard all week long so that come the weekend you can relax on your boat. You don’t want to spend your time off scrubbing the exterior of your vessel, but if you don’t do some seasonal maintenance, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing come spring. A few hours spent buffing and waxing your boat in the fall or spring will save you a lot of elbow grease down the road. And it will also help avoid any bigger issues, like cracked coats or faded paint.
Regularly Inspect Your Boats Exterior
You should try to examine the exterior of your boat when you have the chance. Especially when it is taken out of the water, as this gives you the opportunity to see the entire boat.
Tend To Accidents As Soon As Possible
As much as we all hate to admit it, accidents happen. No matter how carefully we plan or how experienced we are, sometimes things just go wrong. And when they do, it’s important to take care of them right away. That’s especially true when it comes to boats. Because they’re constantly exposed to the elements, even the smallest amount of damage can quickly turn into something serious. That’s why it’s important to inspect your boat regularly and touch up any areas that show signs of wear and tear.
Taking care of exterior damage and issues as soon as possible means the exterior of your boat will look great for much longer.
Understanding Your Boats Gelcoat
This is the exterior finish that helps to repel water and keep your boat looking smooth. However, gel coat damage is one of the most common boat problems. It can be caused by inexperienced docking or trailering, and it can be expensive to repair. The good news is that there are some things you can do to prevent gel coat damage. For example, be careful when docking or trailering your boat. If you’re not experienced, ask someone for help. You should also inspect your boat regularly for any signs of damage. If you find any chips or scratches, repaired them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How To Clean Your Boat Exterior
Cleaning Teak Wood
Though a regular scrub with soapy water is the best way to clean teak, it will not last forever. Depending on where you live and the quality of the air and sun intensity, your teak will eventually turn black or appear dull. When this starts to happen, you’ll probably need to move to an acid-based wood/teak cleaner.
Bottom Of Hull & Gel-Coats
In order to keep your boat shining, a monthly application of liquid carnauba wax will do great. Also, be sure to wash the boat down with soap that contains liquid wax after every use.
If you want to maintain a glossy, gel-coated surface on your boat hull, you need to start with two layers of paste wax every spring.
Care For Your Boat With Proper Storage
One of the most important aspects of boat care is proper storage. Boats should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. If possible, they should also be stored on a trailer or dolly to prevent them from sitting directly on the ground. In addition, it’s important to cover boats with a tarp or other protective cover to keep them clean and dry.
Questions About Caring For Your Boat? Contact Coeur Customs!
At Coeur Customs, we love nothing more than helping our clients keep their boats in tip-top shape! Whether you’re wondering about the best way to clean your hull or how to get those pesky water stains out of your deck, we’re here to help. Give us a call today, we can’t wait to chat with you about all things boats!