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Boat maintenance might seem like a daunting task, but if you can stay on top of it you can keep your boat looking brand new while limiting the amount of extra elbow grease that you have to put in. There are four general areas of your boat that you will want to maintain regularly. Your boat’s fiberglass, canvas, upholstery, and brightwork all need regular maintenance. If you have a boat and do not know where to start to stay on top of your boat maintenance, here are some tips:
For your boat’s fiberglass and gel coat, regular maintenance is critical for making sure it looks brand new. Regular polishing and waxing are very important, but what is even more important is that you use the right type of cleaners. If your gel coat is in good condition, regular maintenance will help it to look new. If your gel coat is in bad condition, using the right type of cleaner can bring it back to life, but it will most likely take a lot of effort on your part. When you are ready for your regular boat maintenance, be sure to go to your local marine shop to find out exactly what type of wax or polish you need, as to not harm your boat.
For the canvas on your boat, you might be surprised to know that soapy water is one of the best things you can use to keep it clean. People usually try to go with the harsh chemicals as a way to really get their canvas clean, but these chemicals can strip away waterproof qualities, which is not something you want to do. If your canvas has PVC windows in it, do not use products like Windex. These windows require a special cleaner that does not strip away the PVC, and it is critical that you get the right kind of cleaner. Again, be sure to go to your local marine store and find out what is right for your boat.
For your boat’s upholstery, this is another example where you can use soapy water and a rag, and you will be just fine. People often use harsh chemicals as a way to get their upholstery clean, and this can do some serious damage. If you need something that will get a deeper clean than just soap and water, go to your local marine store and find out what is right for your boat. Nothing is more disappointing than attempting to clean your boat only to find out that you have been doing more harm than good.
The final aspect of your boat that will need regular maintenance is the woodwork that you can find throughout. While woodwork is not as common as it used to be, keeping it bright and shiny can help your boat look brand new for years. It is recommended that you do a deep clean once a season, and then use soap and water as needed throughout the rest of the year. Most woodwork that is seen these days on boats is teak, but not all. When you are ready to clean your woodwork, again go to your local marine store to purchase the right cleaning supplies as to avoid disaster. Also, when you are cleaning your woodwork, do not go with the grain. Go across the grain. This will help preserve the wood and keep it looking good.
Regular boat maintenance is essential to the upkeep of your boat. When you are ready to start cleaning your boat, make sure to stop by your local marine store to get all the cleaning supplies that are right for your specific boat.
Need assistance? Our professional yacht brokerage company can help. We assistance clients with every step of the boat buying and maintenance process. Call our professional yacht brokers today to learn more about qualified yacht and boat mechanics in your area.
