How to Clean Boats

A brand-new boat won't look like new for very long. Each voyage out into the sea exposes it to gunk, grime, and debris. Left unattended, these substances can actually corrode away your boat's surface! Cleaning your boat is more than an aesthetic chore, it's part of proper boat maintenance.

We created a beginner's guide to cleaning boats below. For all your boating needs, visit RVs and Boats for Less. We proudly serve those in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Preparation

You can make the cleaning process easier on yourself with a little proactivity - simply rinse your boat after each trip. Boats collect grime as they peruse through the waters. It'll rinse right off, but only if you do this right away. Leave the gunk unattended and it'll harden, making for a more grueling cleaning session down the road. If you head out in saltwater, this step is crucial. Salt buildup can actually corrode the exterior of boats. Then you'll want to rinse your boat one more time when you're ready to clean.

Cleaning the Outside of Boats and Yachts

First, gather up your tools. Try to buy a specialty marine boat wash. Sure, you can use a car wash soap if you've got no other option. But it won't clean as well as a product made with aquatic environments and aquatic debris in mind. Whatever soap you use, make sure that it won't eat away your wax. You'll also need a soft-bristle boat brush. It's sturdy enough to get away the gunk without damaging the paint below. 

Second, clean in small sections. You'll want to rinse the soap off before it dries, so only suds up parts you can scrub and clean in a short period of time. Otherwise, you'll be left with unappealing streaks that can actually damage your boat's finish. Start at the top and work down. Try to give a deep clean now - it'll give your boat better protection when you wax it later.

Third, decide if you want to dry the moisture away. The clean water (free of any soap) won't hurt your boat. It'll just leave water spots, which some owners find unappealing. If that's you, then simply use a chamois or squeegee blade to remove the water.

Waxing Boats and Yachts

Aim to wax your boat twice a year. You can put a coat on before you put your boat away for the winter. Then you can put a boat on when you take the boat out of storage. 

Waxing is tedious but worth it! It'll be harder for grime to stick, which means less time spent detailing the boat. It'll also give an impressive sheen to your boat, which helps it look like new for longer.

You will need a specialty boat wax, not just a car wax. It's tempting to buy a cheaper product, but the lower price is a result of lower quality. Stay away from cheap liquid and spray-on carnauba wax products. A higher quality wax will give your boat the protection it needs.

Finally, you'll want to polish your boat. This step removes oxidation from the gel coat and leaves a beautiful shine. Many wax products come with a polish built-in. If yours doesn't, you'll have to buy a separate product. Once your boat is polished, you are done!

For everything related to boats, visit RVs and Boats For Less. We carry a wide range of new and used inventory for all budgets. Schedule a boat demo today to find your dream model! We proudly serve those in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls, Idaho. We also serve those in Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah.